What is the Law Regarding Employment in Washington?

In Washington, employment law means those laws governing employee and employer relationships, as well as independent contractors. This area of law governs such employment issues as hiring procedures, wage amounts, and termination. Employment law in Washington must be understood by employers and employees.

"At-Will" vs. Contract Employment Terms

"At-will" employment is the most common type of employment, but in some cases there may be an employment contract guaranteeing payments for six months to a year. "At-will" employers or employees can end the employment at any given time, if the reasons are not illegal. When the parties use an employment contract, the terms of employment will be controlled by their state and federal laws, as applied to people living in 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. Individuals who live in the city of Washington are required to follow laws which employers from discriminating based on particular classes. These classes include race, gender, disability, national origin, and age.

A claim regarding discrimination can be heard at an administrative agency like EEOC. Many lawyers specialize in the field of employment discrimination.