Same-sex spouses in Washington gained many employment benefits and rights under federal law when the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) this June. As this US News article notes, because federal law now recognizes same-sex marriages, LGBT couples will now enjoy federal rights such as tax-free health benefits for spouses and… Read More
Posts Categorized In: Seattle
Washington Employer Liability Standards Altered by Supreme Court
When can an employer be liable for damages in a hostile work environment or harassment lawsuit filed by an employee? One important issue is whether the employee was harassed by a coworker or by a supervisor. The Ninth Circuit, which includes the state of Washington, had decided that a supervisor is someone who has authority… Read More
Seattle City Council Passes "Jobs Assistance Bill" – Criminal Background Checks on Applications
Most economic indicators suggest that we are working our way out of the recession that struck several years ago. Yet, even though the general signs indicate things are improving, all Washington residents appreciate that it still remains very difficult to both get a new job and keep a current one. Unemployment is still higher than… Read More
Understanding New Washington Employee Social Media Law
Employer access to employee social media content has been a hot topic for months (if not years). As we discussed in a post earlier this month, in Washington the issue made its way to the statehouse this session with the passage of Substitute Senate Bill 5211 which addresses the matter. You can view the actual… Read More
Washington Credit Reports & Employment
A high score is good and a low score is bad. That sums up the basic idea behind your three digit credit score. And unless you are applying for a house or a new credit card, your credit score number is your business. That may be your thought process, but there are instances in which… Read More
Washington Social Media Passwords Protected In Interviews and At Work
A Washington job interview can be a rigorous process. And rightfully so, not only is your potential employer trying to determine whether you have the skills to get the job done but they also wants to make sure you have the personality and other features that will mesh well with the company culture they are… Read More
A Look At Different Washington Workplace Tests
Washington workplace tests are not as uncommon as you may think. In addition to testing potential employees to test certain capabilities as a prerequisite for a job, Washington employers may also test existing employees to ensure that skills stay sharp or as a condition on a promotion. What most of these tests are trying to… Read More
Washington Criminal Records And Employment Prospects
Do you have a criminal history you wish you never had? Depending on when and what you did, you may have to answer for those crimes on employment and housing applications for a long time. And that reality begs the question: can Washington employers use your criminal past against you when you are applying for… Read More
Seattle Is A Great City To Find Work, But What About Unemployment?
The beautiful city of Seattle was recently ranked the 6thbest major city for finding a job. Seattle was the lone West Coast city on the list that looked at factors such as: diversity of industry, range in size of companies offering employment and cost of living. The Seattle Times quotes labor economist Scott Bailey, “The… Read More
Washington Employees Right to Workplace Breaks
For many Washington employees, there are lots of places he or she would rather be than at work. Isn’t it funny how an 8-hour work day can feel more like 12-hour work day? Work is hard for everyone and other than downing copious amounts of caffeine in between shifts (which many of you reading this… Read More