Paid Sick Leave (PSL) Laws
City of Tacoma and Washington State |
| WHO IS COVERED? |
City Law/Rules |
State Law/Rules |
| Employees who work within the City as defined by TMC 18.10; including salaried workers, public elected or appointed officials, and Rail employees. |
Employees who work within the State as defined by RCW 49.46.010, and excludes most salaried workers, public elected or appointed officials and Rail employees. |
| REASON FOR USE |
-Illness, medical need, mental health
-Safety: DV, Sexual Assault, Stalking
-Place of business is closed by public official for health-related reason
-Child’s school or place of care is closed by public official
-Bereavement |
-Illness, medical need, mental health
-Safety: DV, Sexual Assault, Stalking
-Place of business is closed by public official for health-related reason
-Child’s school or place of care is closed by public official for health-related reason |
The City’s paid sick leave laws are in alignment with State other than the table above that outlines the differences between State and City laws.
Questions About Coronavirus and Paid Sick Leave
Visit the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries for common questions on Paid Sick Leave and Coronavirus. This web page provides information and guidance on the state's paid sick leave laws in connection with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Tacoma's Paid Sick Leave Changes in 2018
An amended paid sick leave law took 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.
- Workers will be able to use all accrued hours for authorized purposes, with no other limits on use.
- 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.
Learn about upcoming paid sick leave information sessions.
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 opportunities for public comment.
Click on the buttons below to access information specific to your needs:
Who earns paid sick leave?
TMC 18.10 applies to all employees (full-time, part-time, and temporary) who work within the geographic boundaries of Tacoma for more than 80 hours in a calendar year.
How much is earned?
All employees currently earn one hour for every 40 hours worked within Tacoma. Currently, employees may carry forward up to 40 hours of unused paid sick leave into the next year.
How much can be used each year?
Workers will be able to use all accrued hours for authorized purposes, with no limits on use.
When can employees begin using accrued leave?
Beginning in 2018, employees will be permitted to use their paid sick leave no later than 90 days after hire.
What if my paid time off benefits exceed these amounts?
TMC 18.10 sets a minimum employment standard and is not intended to limit or prohibit more generous leave policies.
Printable Paid Sick Leave Posters and Brochures
Access printable workplace notices, brochures and posters on paid sick leave by clicking the button below. New documents will be coming soon to reflect regulations taking effect in 2018.
View Printable Posters and Publications