Washington’s legislature has approved two bills poised to significantly reshape employer obligations around layoffs and job postings. Though not yet signed into law, both bills—if enacted—will require prompt action and policy updates from employers operating in the state.
Mini-WARN Act: More Notice, Broader Reach
Senate Bill 5525, modeled on the federal WARN Act, ups the stakes for employers by lowering the threshold for applicability and expanding notice requirements for business closings and mass layoffs. The bill would apply to employers with 50 or more Washington-based employees—half the size required under the federal standard.
In addition to the 60-day notice already required under federal law, SB 5525 mandates disclosure of:
- Detailed contact information and location specifics;
- Whether the layoff is temporary or permanent;
- A timeline for layoffs and impacted job titles;
- Names of employees affected; and
- Any links to relocation or outsourcing.
The bill also prohibits including employees on Paid Family and Medical Leave in a mass layoff and outlines exceptions for unforeseeable events or capital-seeking efforts, with conditions.
Equal Pay Act Amendment: A Chance to Fix Job Postings
Senate Substitute Bill 5408 updates the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act to offer employers a five-day grace period to correct noncompliant job postings—before applicants or employees can claim damages.
Other key changes include:
- A revised damages structure with a $100–$5,000 range, assessed based on employer size and intent;
- A clearer definition of “posting” to exclude third-party reposts beyond the employer’s control; and
- A sunset clause applying the correction window to postings made through July 27, 2027.
What Employers Should Do Now
- Review layoff protocols to ensure compliance with SB 5525’s new notice standards.
- Audit job postings for wage and benefit disclosures and prepare processes to correct issues swiftly.
- Update internal policies on PFML and consider how these changes may affect workforce planning.
Read the full article for a deeper dive into what these bills mean and how to prepare for their likely passage.