For Immediate Release
Contact Information
Cynthia Santana
Phone: 206-256-5219
Email: cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Seattle Office of Labor Standards Announces Final Administrative Rules for App-Based Paid Sick and Safe Time
Seattle, WA – (December 6, 2023) The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) announces final administrative rules, Seattle Human Rights Rules Chapter 250, for the App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time (ABWPSST) Ordinance, Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 8.39. On May 1, 2023, the ABWPSST Ordinance applied to Food Delivery Network Company workers who work for a network company that hires more than 250 workers.
Beginning on January 13, 2024, this law applies to all app-based workers who work at a network company that hires more than 250 workers.
In October 2023, OLS released proposed administrative rules for App-Based Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance (SMC 8.39). Following two rounds of public comment, the final rules clarify the details of several requirements created by the ordinance.
This ordinance requires covered network companies to provide app-based workers with paid sick and safe time (PSST).
- App-based workers accrue one day of PSST for every 30 days with at least one work-related stop in Seattle (e.g., shopping at a store in Seattle, making a delivery in Seattle).
- App-based workers who work in Seattle at least once in the past 90 calendar days may use PSST in 24-hour increments for any reason covered by the ordinance.
- For each 24-hour day of use, an app-based worker is entitled to the average daily compensation for each calendar day worked in whole or part in Seattle in the preceding 12 months. Average daily compensation is recalculated every month to reflect changes in app-based worker’s earnings.
Both the ABWPSST Ordinance and the SHRR Chapter 250 can be viewed on the OLS website by clicking here: ABWPSST Ordinance webpage. To learn more about Seattle’s labor standards please click here or contact the Office of Labor Standards at 206-256-5297.
- Help for workers and the public: to ask a question, file a complaint, or provide information, call 206-256-5297, email workers.laborstandards@seattle.gov, or click here to fill out a worker inquiry web form.
- Help for employers: for free and private assistance for compliance with Seattle’s labor standards, call 206-256-5297, email laborstandards@seattle.gov or click here to fill out an employer inquiry web form.
###