For Immediate Release
Contact: Cynthia Santana, Communications Manager
206-256-5219
cynthia.santana@seattle.gov
Seattle Office of Labor Standards Reaches Settlement with Rivas Painting for Alleged Violations of Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance
Seattle, WA (September 22, 2025) The Office of Labor Standards (OLS) announces a settlement with Rivas Painting Inc, dba Rivas Painting, for a total financial remedy of $112,734.05 to 43 affected workers, and $8,288.59 to the City of Seattle.
OLS investigated Rivas Painting, for alleged violations of the Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) Ordinance.
OLS alleged that Rivas Painting failed to:
- Provide employees with a written PSST policy or notice of PSST accrual
- Properly track employee accrual of PSST
- Allow employees to use PSST
Rivas Painting settled the allegations and also agreed to provide current employees with back accrual of PSST, provide employees with notification of PSST balances each pay period, and develop and implement a compliant PSST policy.
“One should never be afraid of doing what is right. Unfortunately, situations like this happen in many workplaces on a daily basis, and it is crucial that they occur less and less, with the law being upheld and respected at all times. Let this be a reminder that standing up for what is fair not only protects our rights, but also helps pave the way for a better and more just workplace for everyone, “said a Rivas worker.
“When employees come forward and report workplace injustices, OLS investigators can use this information to conduct investigations and, in many circumstances, negotiate settlements that enable workers to get paid what they are owed under the law. Employers cannot neglect essential workplace protections like PSST, and OLS is pleased to resolve this matter with Rivas, providing recovery to its employees and certainty for the employer. Our mission is to enforce Seattle’s labor laws, ensuring that workers are treated fairly and receive the wages they’re rightfully owed,” said OLS Director Steven Marchese.
- 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 web form. OLS will never ask for immigration status.
- Help for employers: For free and private compliance assistance with any Seattle labor standard, or to schedule a training, call 206-256-5297, email business.laborstandards@seattle.gov or click here to fill out a form on the employer/ hiring entity inquiry web page.
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