Blog

Today, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced Washington’s minimum wage will rise 2.8% next year, to $17.13 an hour. The increase takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Earlier this year, we reached out to employers who participated in the SharedWork program. We asked them how it went, and 92% said they had a positive or better experience. Given that SharedWork helps save both businesses and jobs, we’re proud to report that.

More than 100 employers and community resource organizations met with nearly 200 veterans and military spouses at a National Hire-A-Vet Day event in Tacoma in July.

As of July 27, 2025, the state expanded on the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. The WARN Act requires companies planning a mass layoff to notify workers 60 days before the closure. The new law enforces stricter penalties for businesses that do not comply with it.

As of July 27, 2025, employers have new responsibilities when moving call center work out of the United States. The state Call Center Jobs Act affects employers with 50 or more employees who intend to move a call center outside of the United States.

May is Military Spouse Appreciation Month and Hire-a-Military Spouse Month. Despite their adaptability and diverse skill sets, military spouses often struggle with employment due to the uncertainty of military life.

Washington's SharedWork program, launched in 1983, helps employers avoid layoffs by providing unemployment benefits for reduced hours

Bill 1898 Benefit Charging Clean-up: Washington bill makes relief of benefit charges easier for employers

Pandemic-era changes to Voluntary Contributions Program made permanent