Tacoma's Paid Sick Leave Changes in 2018
In order to align City law with the State's new paid sick leave requirements, amendments to Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) Chapter 18.10 “Paid Sick Leave” were adopted on September 26, 2017. Revised rules guiding implementation of the City's paid sick leave law were finalized on December 6 after four public hearings and other opportunity for public comment.
The amended paid sick leave law and associated rules will take effect on January 1, 2018. At that time, the City's paid sick leave will be in closer alignment with the new standards set by State law, including:
- Workers will be eligible to use paid sick leave 90 days after hire.
- Workers will earn one hour of paid sick leave for every forty hours worked with no annual cap on accrual.
- Workers will be able to carry over up to 40 hours of unused paid sick leave to the following year.
- For absences exceeding three days, employers may require documentation, such as a doctor's note, that shows that the leave was used for an authorized purpose.
Overtime-exempt employees remain covered in Tacoma.
2018 Tacoma Municipal Code 18.10 and Rules
Opportunities to Learn More
In December 2017, the City hosted two information sessions for employers and workers interested in the new law taking effect in 2018. Sign up for Employment Standards Email Updates and be among the first to learn about upcoming events.
City staff can also provide one-on-one assistance with questions. In addition to contacting us via the website, you can also reach our office by email or by calling (253) 591-5306.