MATERNITY LEAVE UNDER THE WASHINGTON LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
Regulations under Washington law allow women a job protected leave of absence for the entire period of time they are incapacitated due to “sickness or temporary disability due to pregnancy or childbirth.” This regulation applies directly to all employers with at least eight or more employees. An employee who takes a leave of absence for pregnancy is entitled to return to the same position or similar position of at least the same pay. The employer is not required to provide pay or other benefits during the leave unless it provides such pay or benefits to other temporarily disabled employees. In addition, if the employee is terminated during the leave, she may be entitled to sue for wrongful termination and violation of public policy. Family leave rights under Washington law are almost identical to federal law.
Washington has provisions pertaining to many other types of leaves of absence including parental leave for adoptive and step-parents, leave for care of family members, workers’ compensation leave, jury duty leave, and military leave.
Washington has provisions pertaining to many other types of leaves of absence including parental leave for adoptive and step-parents, leave for care of family members, workers’ compensation leave, jury duty leave, and military leave.