What are the laws concerning the minimum wage?

In Washington, the minimum wage is set at $13.69 per hour, effective January 2021. This is higher than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The minimum wage is updated annually, taking into account cost of living and inflation. Washington labor laws ensure all employees, regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time, or temporary, must be paid the minimum wage. However, certain employers are exempt from paying the minimum wage, including businesses that earn less than $250,000 per year in gross revenue, as well as small farms and seasonal businesses. Employers must also pay their employees for any overtime work they perform. Overtime is defined as any work done beyond 40 hours in a week. Overtime pay must be at least one and a half times an employee’s regular rate of pay. Employees in Washington also have the right to be paid timely, at least monthly or biweekly. Employers must pay their employees all wages they are owed at the end of the pay period and provide them with a written earnings statement each week or month. All employers in Washington are also required to provide employees with sick leave. Employees are entitled to paid or unpaid sick leave depending on the size of the employer and their type of work. Employees are also entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid family and medical leave. Overall, Washington has laws in place to protect workers and ensure they are paid fairly and given the appropriate leave and benefits.

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