The National Industrial Relations Act protects the fundamental right to work with employees to take measures to improve wages and working conditions in the private sector. This is called “concerted activity.” The National Labour Relations Act protects the right of most private sector workers to form a union and bargain collectively with their employers. For each week you apply for benefits, you must apply for and register for at least three jobs or attend and register a WorkSource workshop. Ministry of Labour – Wages and Hours, Medical Leave (www.dol.gov/WHD/workers.htm#complaint) You can visit the Washington State Labor Council website to find a list of unions and news about the labor movement, or to ask for help. It is the largest workers` organization in the state. WSLC`s main programmes are to help workers organise campaigns, advocate for workers` protection and benefits policies and educate on workers` issues. They can also refer you to one of Washington State`s 15 local labor boards, including MLK Labor (mlklabor.org/) in King County. You should request the interface as soon as you are laid off or your hours are reduced. You can apply by calling the Unemployment Claims Centre at (800) 318-6022 (TTY 800-365-8969).

Instructions will be available in many different languages. You can also apply for benefits online on the ESD website. If you do not have access to a computer or telephone, you can use the telephones and computers available in WorkSource offices. Provides high-quality education and training programs to workers in Washington State, including union education and training. If you decide to file a complaint about workplace rights with one of the organizations described in this guide, there are a few things to keep in mind. Your employer cannot retaliate against you if you file complaints about violations of your rights in the workplace or if you exercise your rights under state or local laws. This includes complaints about minimum wage, overtime, safety, discrimination or other rights listed in this guide. But as with any law, some of the details of how secure scheduling works can get a bit complicated, so we expect questions! Fill out this form and let us know your questions about general principles, specific scenarios or anything else to help us create a participatory Q&A session to help workers understand their rights. Overtime laws do not apply to true independent contractors, but employers cannot avoid paying overtime by labeling an employee as an “independent contractor” unless they meet all the legal criteria. Many workers are familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but may not be familiar with the Americans Anti-Discrimination Act (WLAD).

WLAD offers broader protection than ADA. WLAD is implemented by the Washington Commission on Human Rights (WHRC). If you leave a civilian job for military service, your job is protected by the Federal Act on Employment and Re-Employment Rights (USERRA). In general, UTERRA guarantees that when you return from service, you will return to your old job. You are entitled to the same seniority rights and benefits as if you worked in a civilian profession all the time. USERRA also protects you against discrimination based on past, present or future military service. USERRA applies to voluntary and involuntary services of all kinds, in times of peace as well as in times of war. This means that you have permanently lost some skills that you had before the injury, but are still able to work. If you are paid in cash, as an undeclared employee, you are entitled to the same rights and benefits as other employees, but it can be difficult to prove that you worked for a particular employer.

You may deny that you ever worked for them or say you were an “independent contractor.” The Washington MFLA differs from the federal FMLA and gives military spouses and registered domestic partners the right to take time off work prior to deployment to spend time with their partners. If you work an average of 20 hours per week or more and are the spouse or registered partner of a member of the military, you can take up to fifteen days of leave without pay, immediately prior to deployment or if your spouse is on leave for personal reasons. Spouses of the regular armed forces and the National Guard or reserves are eligible.