For Immediate Release
June 29, 2018
Contact: Cynthia Santana, Communications Manager, 206-256-5219, cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Office of Labor Standards Issues Final Administrative Rules for Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance
Final rules include a modified definition of “normal hourly compensation” removing holiday and other premium pay rates from PSST payment
Seattle – (June 29, 2018) – The Seattle Office of Labor Standards (OLS) has issued its final revisions to its administrative rules for Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) ordinance. These rules go into effect on Sunday, July 1, 2018.
The final administrative rules include a modification of the proposed rule on the meaning of “normal hourly compensation.” The revised definition does not require inclusion of holiday pay and other premium rates for payment of PSST, which is consistent with the approach taken by Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and many other jurisdictions. By aligning these requirements, OLS seeks to facilitate implementation of PSST and promote greater compliance.
Seattle recently amended the PSST ordinance to reflect the more employee-protective provisions of voter-passed, Washington Initiative 1433, which established statewide paid sick leave for hourly employees working in Washington state. PSST rule revisions modify existing rules, originally issued in 2012, to reflect these ordinance amendments.
Seattle’s PSST ordinance requires employers operating in Seattle to provide all employees with paid leave to care for themselves or a family member with a physical or mental health condition, medical appointment, or a critical safety issue.
For more information on the PSST ordinance and recent amendments please see our revised Questions and Answers document and Comparison Chart on Seattle PSST and State Paid Sick Leave Requirements. Visit http://www.seattle.gov/laborstandards.
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