By:  Jim Cline and Eamon McCleery

The start of the new year also marks the partial implementation of Washington’s New Paid Family and Medical Leave program. Think of that program as a mandatory long-term leave insurance program adopted by the Washington State Legislature for most employers, public and private. Throughout 2019, the fund for the program will be built up with employer and employee payroll contributions. Starting in 2020, the program will use those accumulated funds to pay employees a portion of their wages while they are away on a qualifying long-term leave. [Read more…]

By: Jim Cline and Eamon McCleery

In Snohomish County, Decision 12723-B (PECB, 2018), PERC overturned the five-day suspension of the Guild’s President for allegedly violating a County policy against having personal cell phones in the secure portions of the County Jail. PERC found that the County’s actions helped create a situation in which it could impose discipline. Therefore, it concluded that the real reason for the discipline was retaliation for the President’s Guild activities.

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