safe & sick leave spokane: The details

Last week we posted an article from the Journal of Business on our Facebook page regarding the new minimum wage rates in Washington State. The increased minimum wage is the result of an initiative, meaning a vote of the citizens, not a vote of the state legislature. As a result, the minimum wage in Washington State in most counties is now $11.00/hour. There are some exemptions for 14 and 15-year-old workers, and a few counties and municipalities have higher wages than the $11.00. However, all hourly employees must be paid a minimum of $11.00 per hour, for both agricultural and non-agricultural work.
 
In addition to increased minimum wage that went into effect on January 1, 2017, the City of Spokane enacted (over a mayoral veto) the Spokane Earned Safe and Sick Leave Ordinance. This applies to virtually all companies employing workings within the Spokane City limits. Here’s what you need to know:

1. The ordinance applies to all employers in Spokane with employees who work more than 240 hours per year, or 6 weeks on a 40 hour a week schedule.
2. It does not apply to work-study students, independent contractors, building trades, or seasonal employees.
3. New businesses have a one-year exemption from the requirements for a year from the date they receive their City of Spokane business license.
4. Workers can use the safe and sick leave for: (1) mental and physical health treatment for the worker or the worker’s family members; (2) protection and safety (e.g. domestic violence or stalking); and (3) a child’s school closure.
5. The leave is accrued from the first day of employment at a rate of one hour of leave for every 30 hours worked, limited by the size of the company.
6. Employees can earn 24 hours per year of leave from companies employing nine or fewer workers.
7. Employees at companies with 10 or more workers can earn 40 hours per year.
8. Regardless of company size, the employee can rollover 24 hours of unused leave to the next year.
   
9. Employers must display the Earned Safe and Sick Leave policy notice, which the City will provide.

 
Companies that have paid time off (PTO) or equivalent programs can substitute those policies for the earned safe & sick leave, if they are at least as generous as the Spokane ordinance. Employers who do not follow the policy can face monetary penalties and suspension of their business licenses. 
 
Is your Spokane-based business compliant? GIANTlegal can assist you in tracking leave, setting up a PTO plan, and updating your Employee Handbooks to ensure compliance with these issues. Contact us at: questions@giantlegal.net.