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

Safety & Health Discrimination

Your employer may not fire you or discriminate or retaliate against you solely because you have exercised your workplace safety & health rights, such as:

  • Bringing job safety and health concerns to your employer's attention.
  • Participating in union activities concerning safety and health matters.
  • Refusing a dangerous task when certain conditions exist.
  • Filing safety and health grievances.
  • Participating in safety and health inspections with a DOSH inspector.
  • Filing a complaint about a workplace safety or health hazard with DOSH, OSHA, your local health or fire department or any other appropriate government agency.

Get help

We can help you determine if you have been discriminated against for exercising any of these rights.

More information on workplace safety and health discrimination

Discrimination Not Handled by L&I Employment Standards Protections

While Washington is an at-will employment state, employers cannot fire or retaliate against an employee who exercises a protected right or files a complaint under certain employment laws, including the Minimum Wage Act, which guarantees that workers:

  • Be paid at least minimum wage for all hours worked.
  • Receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a work week.
  • Accrue, and be allowed to use, paid sick leave hours.
  • Be paid tips and service charges.
  • Be able to discuss potential violations of these rights with your employer.
  • File a complaint with Labor and Industries regarding any of these rights.

If you believe your rights have been violated, there are three ways you can file a complaint:

Other laws that protect employees from discrimination or retaliation include: