What is wage and hour law?

Wage and Hour Law is a set of laws that are designed to protect workers in the state of Washington. These laws set the minimum wage that an employer must pay their workers, as well as how many hours they can be made to work in a week. They also cover overtime wages, meal and rest periods, and the provision of benefits like holiday and vacation pay. The minimum wage in Washington is higher than the federal minimum wage, so employers must adhere to the state-set wage. They are also required to pay overtime wages for any hours worked over 40 per week (or 8 hours per day for those working daily shifts). Employees must receive a meal break after each 5 hours of work, as well as rest breaks for every 4 hours of work. Holiday and vacation pay must also be provided, and employers must keep accurate records of the hours their employees have worked. These laws are put in place to make sure workers are compensated fairly for their labor. By ensuring that employers are following the law and paying their employees according to the laws set out by the state, workers are less likely to be taken advantage of and can hold their employers accountable to fair wages and working conditions.

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