Stop minimum wage increase in Washington State

Action Alert- Raising Minimum Wage and Mandatory Paid Vacation

2/6/2025

House Bill # 1764
Title "Concerning labor standards"
(Raising Minimum Wage and Mandatory Paid Vacation)

This bill significantly expands labor standards and protections for workers in Washington state, focusing on multiple key areas. It progressively increases the minimum wage for employees aged 18 and over, starting at $17.50 per hour in 2026 and rising to $25.00 per hour by 2031, with annual adjustments tied to inflation.

The bill introduces mandatory paid vacation leave for employees, requiring employers to provide 2.3 hours of paid vacation time for every 40 hours worked, with employees becoming eligible after 90 days of employment.
Additionally, it mandates five days of paid bereavement leave per calendar year for employees who experience a family member's death. The legislation also includes provisions specifically targeting transportation network companies (like ride-sharing platforms), establishing detailed requirements for driver compensation, earned sick time, and vacation time.
The bill includes enforcement mechanisms such as stop work orders and potential civil penalties for employers who violate these new labor standards. Transportation network companies will be required to provide drivers with specific compensation structures, reporting requirements, and a driver resource center for dispute resolution.
The new labor standards are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, giving employers time to prepare for these significant changes in worker protections and compensation.