Nonprofit Quick Tip: State Filings in Washington and Oregon
The enforceability of noncompetition agreements is a widely debated topic in and outside of the legal world. In just the last year, it has been a repeat topic on the floor of the Washington state legislature. States across...more
Following a recent Washington Supreme Court decision, plaintiffs’ attorneys in Washington are targeting a new type of class action claim against employers: alleged violations of Washington’s noncompetition statute based on...more
With the Federal Trade Commission’s proposed nationwide ban on noncompetes seemingly dead, states continue to march forward with their own regulation of such agreements. Washington’s current law bans noncompetes for employees...more
In a first-of-its-kind decision, the Washington Supreme Court took aim at the ability of employers to prevent low wage employees in the state from “moonlighting” or otherwise supplementing their income during their...more
On January 23, 2025, the Washington Supreme Court held that two Washington workers can argue that their former employer imposed unreasonable restrictions in violation of a state statute regulating non-compete agreements that...more
It is a new year, which means new employment laws for employers in the Pacific Northwest. The following is a brief overview of significant new laws and changes for employers with Washington and/or Oregon employees....more
Washington's minimum wage is set to increase to $16.66 per hour starting January 1, 2025, as announced by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). This change reflects a 2.35% increase from 2024 (as we...more
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has announced the state minimum wage for 2025. In Washington, the state minimum wage is calculated annually (and generally increases) based on inflation. Effective...more
Beginning on January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Washington will go up to $16.66 per hour, up 2.35% from 2024. In addition to the statewide minimum, various cities and counties have a dizzying array of higher minimum wages...more
As of June 2024, the legal parameters of Washington noncompetition agreements were refined by the passing of Substitute Senate Bill 5935. The bill, which passed by the Legislature in February and was signed into law by...more
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) recently announced increases in the Washington minimum wage, the threshold for overtime exemptions and the minimum required for employee noncompete enforcement....more
Washington state law just changed in a way that might have made your company’s non-solicitation agreements unenforceable and illegal. Recent amendments to the state non-compete statute took effect on June 6 and significantly...more
On June 6, 2024, Washington’s non-compete statute will receive substantial amendments affecting employers with workers in the state. Employers should review their employment agreements and personnel onboarding practices to...more
Effective June 6, 2024, the state of Washington will further restrict the use of noncompetition agreements. This article provides background on the current law governing noncompetition agreements in Washington and walks...more
Washington Governor Jay Inslee recently signed Senate Bill 5935 into law, amending and expanding Washington’s statute restricting the enforceability of noncompetition covenants (Revised Code of Washington 49.2). The amended...more
Washington state businesses that have noncompetition agreements with employees or independent contractors will be subject to new requirements under the latest amendment to the state’s noncompetition law beginning June 6,...more
On Tuesday, April 23, the US Federal Trade Commission issued a final rule that would prohibit many noncompete agreements nationwide (FTC Announcement, AP News coverage). The next day, several business groups filed a lawsuit...more
On June 6, 2024, new amendments to Washington State’s noncompetition statute (RCW 49.62) will go into effect, which place further limitations on the use of noncompetition agreements in Washington. Substitute Senate Bill 5935...more
The Washington state legislature and certain localities recently passed several bills affecting employers, some of which have already been signed into law. These measures address non-compete agreements, mandatory...more
A bill amending Washington’s noncompete law (RCW 49.62) goes into effect on June 6, 2024. One of the changes will require prompt review and likely revisions of existing non-solicitation agreements....more
Washington State is making a few important amendments to its existing noncompete statute. The amendments go into effect on June 6, 2024....more
It is a new year, which means new employment laws for employers in the Pacific Northwest. The following is a brief overview of significant new laws and changes for Washington and Oregon employers (all effective January 1,...more
In Washington, the first quarter of 2022, which included the regular legislative session, has included various updates and adjustments to Washington’s wage and hour and related reporting laws....more
Effective March 16, 2021, employers in the District of Columbia may no longer use non-compete agreements to safeguard company information. The latest in a growing number of employer restrictions, the Ban on Non-Compete...more