What is the Law Regarding Employment in Washington?

Employment law refers to the body of laws in Washington that regulate employees, employers, and independent contractors. Such laws regulate employment matters like hiring, wage levels, and termination policies. Employment law in Washington must be understood by employers and employees.

"At-Will" vs. Contract Employment Terms

Employment is usually considered to be "at-will", although at times the employer and employee might have an employment contract preventing termination before it expires. "At-will" employers or employees can end the employment at any given time, if the reasons are not illegal. Federal and state laws control the enforcement of employment clauses provisions for citizens of Washington.

Anti-Discrimination laws in Washington

Washington citizens must abide by laws which make discrimination illegal at all phases of employment, including hiring employees, wage disputes, and terminating procedures. Washington residents must follow laws which prohibit employer discrimination against members of different classes. These classes include age, gender, race, religion, disability, and national origin.

Claims for employment discrimination may be filed with an administrative agency such as EEOC. Attorneys often specialize in employment discrimination.