Are employers allowed to require employees to take unpaid leave?

In Washington, employers are generally allowed to require employees to take unpaid leave, with certain restrictions. For example, employers are not allowed to require employees to take unpaid leave if they have not been given proper notification of the unpaid leave. Additionally, employers are not allowed to require employees to take unpaid leave if the amount of unpaid leave exceeds the amount of paid leave. Employees also have certain legal protections related to unpaid leave under the Washington Industrial and Labor Relations Act. According to this act, employers cannot terminate an employee’s employment for taking unpaid leave unless it is expressly stated in the employee’s contract. Additionally, employers must not discriminate against employees who have taken unpaid leave. This means that employers cannot treat employees who have taken unpaid leave differently than other employees. Employers who violate employment laws related to unpaid leave may face possible penalties. If an employee believes that their employer has violated the law, they can file a complaint with the state Department of Labor & Industries or the state Human Rights Commission. The Department of Labor & Industries or the state Human Rights Commission will investigate the complaint and may take action against the employer if a violation is found.

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Are employers allowed to require employees to take unpaid leave?

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