Workers' Rights

Workers are protected by laws and rules covering workers' wages, working conditions, overtime pay, and prevailing wage on public works construction projects.

Featured Content

Discrimination in the Workplace

Workers are entitled to protection from discrimination. L&I handles safety & health, wage & hour, and some other types of workplace discrimination.

Holiday, Vacation & Bereavement Leave

Washington State does not require employers to provide leave or pay for holidays, vacations, or bereavement.

Forms & Publications

What Are Your Rights When You Work for a Farm Labor Contractor?

F700-067-909 — (06/01/2018), Publication in English-Spanish

Pocket Guide to Worker Rights

F101-165-909 — (05/01/2023), Publication in English-Spanish

Overtime Rules Fact Sheet

F700-205-000 — (09/01/2022), Publication in English

View more Workers' Rights forms and publications

News & Events

December 27, 2022

Reminder: Raises for minimum wage workers, expanded rights for rideshare drivers, increased wage transparency for job seekers among new laws taking effect Jan. 1

TUMWATER — There are significant changes coming in January that impact workers around the state.

March 27, 2023

Vancouver company owes more than $300,000 in pay and penalties for wage violations on school projects

TUMWATER – A Vancouver, Wash., contractor owes $201,223 in wages and interest to about 20 employees on construction projects at four area schools.

April 30, 2025

Warehouse quota violations result in fines for Auburn distribution center

TUMWATER – For the first time since Washington state enacted a new law to improve standards for warehouse workers, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has cited an employer for several quota-related safety and workplace rights violations.

May 15, 2025

Richland farm labor contractor faces more than $1 million in fines

TUMWATER — A Richland company faces $1.25 million in fines for multiple violations of the state’s farm labor contractor law.

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