What are the requirements for shift differentials?

In Washington, shift differentials are extra payments added to an employee’s regular hourly rate of pay. They are usually paid to employees who work shifts outside of the normal work hours, such as evenings, nights, or weekends. In Washington, state law requires employers to pay employees a minimum wage rate as well as overtime pay for any hours worked beyond 40 hours in a given workweek. Employers who wish to give employees shift differentials must adhere to the same laws that apply to overtime pay. Shift differentials must be at least one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for any hours worked outside of the normal work hours. For example, if an employee normally earns $10/hour, they must receive at least $15/hour for any hours worked outside of the normal work hours. Shift differentials can also be paid to employees who work split shifts. These are shifts broken up into segments, such as working in the morning and then returning to work at night. For split shifts, employers must pay at least one and a half times the employee’s regular rate of pay for any hours worked after the first shift. It’s important to note that employers are not required to pay employees shift differentials. However, if an employer chooses to do so, they must follow the requirements set out by state law.

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What are the requirements for shift differentials?

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