The Washington Supreme Court issued a decision today in Morgan v. Kingen, holding that bankruptcy is not a valid defense to a willful withholding of wages under RCW 49.52.070. The plaintiffs in this case worked at Funsters Grand Casino in SeaTac, Washington. The casino was not a success and the owners voluntarily filed
Extension of Federal Benefits to Same-Sex Partners Falls Short of Goals
The memorandum issued by President Obama yesterday extends some benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees, including access to a government insurance program that pays for long-term conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, and to sick leave to care for a sick same-sex partner or a non-biological child. However, the extension did not provide eligibility
Washington’s Minimum Wage To Rise to $8.55 January 1, 2009
Washington employers get ready to give your minimum-wage employees a raise: effective January 1, 2009, Washington’s minimum wage will increase to $8.55 per hour, allowing Washington to maintain the highest minimum wage in the country. For more information, click here to read the Department of Labor and Industries’ Press Release. Washington’s current minimum wage
“Blonde Jokes” Support Workplace Emotional Distress Claim
Usually when I get an employment lawsuit alleging "negligent infliction of emotional distress," I chuckle to myself and immediately begin drafting a motion to dismiss. However, a recent case out of the Washington Court of Appeals may indicate that NIED claims are not totally frivolous!
In Strong v. Wright, the plaintiff sued her former supervisor
Washington: Public Policy Against Domestic Violence Supports Claim of Wrongful Discharge
Is a Washington employer prohibited from terminating an at-will employee because she took leave from work to protect herself from domestic violence? Yes, according to last week’s opinion from the Washington Supreme Court in Danny v. Laidlaw Services.
In Danny, the plaintiff sued her former employer in federal court, alleging she was terminated for
Ninth Circuit Asks Washington Supreme Court to Define “Disability” under WLAD
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this week certified a question to the Washington Supreme Court, seeking that court’s help in defining "disability" under the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD).
Two years ago, in McClarty v. Totem Electric, 137 P.3d 844 (2006), the Washington Supreme Court significantly narrowed the definition of "disability" under
City of Vancouver Settles Race Discrimination Suit for 1.65 Million
The City of Vancouver, Washington announced yesterday that it will pay a former police officer $1.65 million to settle a federal retaliation and racial discrimination lawsuit he filed two years ago over his termination. To read the Oregonian’s coverage on the case, click here.
This isn’t plaintiff Navin Sharma’s first settlement with the city: he settled
Jail Time For Washington Employer
As part of a plea agreement reached earlier this month, Jerry and James Schram, co-owners of a Vancouver, Washington construction company, will serve 30 days of jail time and perform community service. Their crime? Hiding information in an attempt to reduce their workers’ compensation premiums. In addition, the Schrams also pleaded guilty to misdemeanors
Hang Up and Drive! Washington and California Ban Cell Phone Use While Driving
Last night I was riding home and was almost run off the street by a woman reading a novel while driving, when I remembered: Effective July 1, 2008, new laws in California and Washington prohibit the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Drivers may, however, use a cell phone if the communication is made
Washington Passes New Domestic Violence and Military Family Leave Laws
On April 1, 2008, Governor Christine Gregoire signed new laws requiring Washington employers of any size to provide two kinds of leave to Washington employees: domestic violence leave for victims and family members, and military family leave. To learn more, check out Stoel Rives’ update.