2026 is bringing significant changes to Washington’s employment laws.
This Update summarizes the changes taking effect on January 1, 2026, and highlights recent legal developments contributing to a rise in employment class actions.
New Laws | Action |
|---|---|
Update PMFL leave policies, procedures, and postings. | |
Update leave and accommodation policies. | |
Review employees’ compensation and employment agreements to ensure compliance. | |
Expanded unemployment insurance benefits for striking and locked-out workers | Update strike contingency plans and review negotiation strategies for collective bargaining agreements. |
For healthcare employers, develop policies and train staff regarding how to properly report, document, and investigate incidents of workplace violence. | |
For employers of isolated employees, update policies and procedures regarding the use of panic buttons. |
What’s Hot in Employment Litigation | Action |
|---|---|
Limitations on restricting low-wage workers from moonlighting | Review offer letters, employment agreements, and policies to ensure any... |
A Fleming Island eye-care business will pay $2.1 million to settle accusations of improper Medicare or Medicaid claims. The business was one of five ophthalmology practices in Florida that collect...