HR Insights articles

PFML job protections and concurrent PFML/FMLA leave may see changes in 2025

Dec 12 2024

Potential changes to the way job protections function under the state’s Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) law are being developed for the 2025 legislative session.
Tips for employee recognition during the holidays

Dec 10 2024

With the holidays upon us, some cities want to thank their employees for another year of hard work with employee-focused festivities and special recognition programs.
Key takeaways from AWC’s childcare access listening session

Dec 06 2024

In mid-October, AWC hosted an engaging discussion with policymakers, cities, and childcare advocates on some of the things that cities can do to promote access to childcare in their communities.
Pension policy committee recommends permanent PERS 1 COLA to the Legislature

Nov 15 2024

On November 12, the Select Committee on Pension Policy voted to recommend a bill to the Legislature that would create an ongoing automatic cost of living adjustment (COLA) for PERS plan 1 retirees.
Paid Family and Medical Leave premiums set to go up in 2025

Oct 29 2024

On October 23, the Employment Security Department (ESD) announced that premiums for the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PMFL) program will rise from 0.74% to 0.92% on January 1, 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to $16.66 per hour in 2025

Oct 10 2024

The Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced the new 2025 state minimum wage on September 30.
Pension Funding Council and LEOFF 2 Board adopt new contribution rates for 2025

Aug 07 2024

The Pension Funding Council and the LEOFF 2 Board both met in July and recommended updated pension contribution rates for PERS, PSERS, and LEOFF 2 pension systems for the 2025-2027 biennium.
OSHA sets public hearing dates for Emergency Response Standard rulemaking

Aug 06 2024

OSHA has set dates for public hearings on the proposed Emergency Response Standard.
OFM is looking for data on Public Service Loan Forgiveness borrowers and employers

Jul 18 2024

The Office of the Student Loan Advocate (SLA) and the Office of Financial Management (OFM) are looking for feedback from Washington public service employers and student loan borrowers about their experience with the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
The top five things we learned at the 2024 LRI

Jun 12 2024

The 2024 Labor Relations Institute (LRI) is in the books. Here we give you a few highlights from the engaging and wide-ranging conference.
How can cities retain their men and women in blue?

Apr 10 2024

An overview of Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Executive Director Monica Alexander’s session at AWC’s City Action Days.
Paid sick leave bill passes the Legislature

Mar 01 2024

On February 27, the House passed SB 5793 on a 76-19 vote.
WA Cares bill gets amended on its way out of the Senate

Feb 16 2024

On February 12, the Senate passed SB 6072 on a 34-15 vote.
HR & labor relations legislative roundup

Feb 07 2024

It’s mid-session cutoff season here in Olympia, when the Legislature starts to narrow down the wide array of bills from their early session highs.
AWC Drug & Alcohol Consortium: Impacts of SB 5123 on drug testing

Feb 07 2024

More than a decade has passed since Washington legalized cannabis use.

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