Workers in Washington will receive additional protections starting January 1st and a pay raise for hourly workers.

Hourly workers earning the minimum wage in Washington will see their pay rising from the current $16.66 to $17.13, beginning on Jan. 1st.

Starting in 2026, workers will be eligible for benefits under the Paid Family Leave and Benefits Act once they are employed for 180 days, dropping from the current 12-month requirement and a threshold of 1,250 hours worked. The new law taking effect January 1st also requires benefits for workers at employers of 50 or more down to just 25 workers, and further reductions to 15 workers in 2027 and just 8 employees in 2028.

Employers of what are considered "isolated workers," like janitors, hotel service staff, and security guards, will face

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