All workers in state must be offered sick leave as of Jan. 1

BELLINGHAM — A new year, a new wage hike.

On Jan. 1, the next phase of the Washington minimum wage law goes into effect. Employers will now have to pay workers at least $11.50 per hour, as well as provide paid sick leave. The new minimum wage is a 50-cent increase, relatively small compared to the beginning of 2017, when it shot up from $9.47 to $11.

The paid sick leave requirement is new. All workers, full-, part-time and seasonal, will accrue at least one hour of paid leave for every 40 hours worked. It must be paid at their normal hourly wage. Workers can use that paid leave if they get sick or if they need to care for a sick family member, if their workplace or child’s school or childcare is closed for a health-related reason, or to flee a domestic violence situation.

http://www.heraldnet.com/business/all-employees-in-state-soon-will-receive-paid-sick-leave/?utm_source=DAILY+HERALD&utm_campaign=bb45c2d084-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d81d073bb4-bb45c2d084-228635337