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 |
Tacoma's Minimum Wage Changes in 2020
Beginning January 1, 2020 the State minimum wage will bypass the City’s minimum wage. As a result, Tacoma employers are required to use the higher State minimum wage of $13.50 in 2020.
You may direct questions about the State’s minimum wage to Washington State Department of Labor & Industries at 1-866-219-7321 or ESGeneral@Lni.wa.gov.
Learn More about Minimum Wage in the City of Tacoma
Tacoma's Paid Sick Leave Changes in 2018
Tacoma employers and workers are reaching out to us with questions about the impacts of voter-approved Washington State Initiative 1433, which relates to statewide paid sick leave and minimum wage. 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. The amended City law and associated rules took effect on January 1, 2018.
Learn More about Paid Sick Leave
Stay Current on Tacoma Employment Standards News
Any emerging news on City of Tacoma Employment Standards, including updates on the public rules process, will be shared via our e-newsletter. Subscribe to Employment Standards email updates here. Our office is your resource for all questions or concerns related to Tacoma’s Employment Standards. We continue to provide assistance through our website, by email and by phone at (253) 591-5306.
An Overview of Tacoma's two Employment Standards
The Paid Sick Leave law took effect on February 1, 2016, allowing Tacoma workers to earn paid time off from work for reasons related to health, safety, and family care. The law was updated to align with State law, effective January 1, 2018.
In November 2015, voters approved Tacoma’s second city employment standard: A $12.35 per hour minimum wage to be phased in over two years. Beginning January 1, 2019, the Tacoma minimum wage increased to $12.35.
Employees who will work more than 80 hours per year within the city limits of Tacoma (including full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers) are covered by the city's minimum employment standards. There are no exceptions based on the size of the employer.
Learn More About Minimum Employment Standards in Tacoma
Check if your workplace is in the City of Tacoma