Washington State among the first to require Pay Transparency

Washington State has been a pioneer for employee rights for many decades. As we begin 2023, Washington is not slowing down any in worker protections. In fact, the State of Washington is ramping those protections up with the new Pay Transparency Law, RCW 49.58.110.

Beginning January 1, 2023, job posting for covered employers must include both the wage scale or salary range for the position and a description of all other benefits and compensation. This includes postings for brand new hires as well as postings for promotions.

The Pay Transparency Law applies to all employers “engaging in any business, industry, profession, or activity in Washington” with more than 15 employees. In addition to penalties that the state can impose on employers who violate the new law, it also anticipates that employees might also be harmed and allows employees to sue for lost wages with interest, and provides that attorney’s fees and costs to be paid by the employer. Additionally, the employee could be entitled to statutory damages with interest if the court determines that violating the law was part of the employer's pattern.

With this law, Washington joins California and Rhode Island as the first states to ensure employees have the same information as employers when negotiating salaries. This can only help in the march toward pay equality.