Under Initiative 1433 (I-1433), passed by the voters in 2016, employers will be required to provide paid sick leave beginning on January 1, 2018. Paid sick leave accrues at a minimum of one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked and may be used for the employee’s or family member’s injury, illness, or health condition, or other specified circumstances. Employers must pay employees using paid sick leave at their regular rate of pay or the minimum wage, whichever is greater. Employees are eligible to use accrued sick leave beginning on the 90th calendar day after the start of employment. Unused sick leave of 40 hours or less must be carried over to the following year. Employers are allowed to provide more generous policies.  

The Department of Labor & Industries is providing online webinars throughout the month of November to help employers get ready for the new law. The webinar will cover the new Paid Sick Leave Law, and provide an overview of Initiative 1433, which changed state law regarding minimum wage, ensuring tips and service charges are given to the appropriate staff, and requiring employers to provide paid sick leave. 

Register for the webinar on the Department of Labor & Industries website.

View the Department of Labor & Industries’ fact sheet on the impacts of Initiative 1433.