Construction workers in Washington state will have access to paid sick leave under a new state law, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2024, according to Safety+Health magazine. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries will enforce the new law; a final rule is expected to be published Nov. 21.
Construction employers will be required to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked. Current state law outlines a 90-day minimum at one job before a worker can take paid sick leave. Workers covered under a collective bargaining agreement must have “equivalent sick leave provisions.”
An employer can provide paid sick leave in advance “provided that such front-loading meets or exceeds” the law’s requirements for accrual, use and carryover of that benefit.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has scheduled an in-person public hearing Nov. 7 at its headquarters in Tumwater, Wash. A virtual public hearing will be Nov. 8.
