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Employer defined
“Employer” includes any person acting in the interest of an employer, directly or indirectly, who employs eight or more persons. It does not include any religious or sectarian organization not organized for private profit.
Employers with less than eight employees are exempt from the State Law Against Discrimination. However, in February 2000 the State Supreme Court ruled in “Roberts v. Dudley” that the state has established a clear public policy against discrimination based on sex. As a result, the Court ruled that a person could have a legitimate cause of action for the common-law tort of wrongful discharge - even though their employer has less than eight employees.
Unlawful employment practices
The unlawful employment practices and exemptions are similar to those under the federal Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Sex. Although the state law does not include similar descriptions of what constitutes harassment or a hostile work environment, such actions would be considered a form of prohibited discrimination.
Posting
The state provides a poster titled “Washington Law Prohibits Discrimination in Employment.”
Contact
Regulations
RCW Title 49, Chapter 49.60, Discrimination - Human Rights Commission
WAC Title 162, Human Rights Commission
Contact
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Regulations
29 CFR Part 1604, Guidelines on Discrimination Because of Sex