Seattle Helps Workers Who Report Wage Theft Violations to Obtain U Visas: Employment Law Manual Section Added

Author: Melissa A. Silver, XpertHR Legal Editor

On December 17, 2015, Seattle Mayor Edward B. Murray signed the Wage Theft Prevention and Harmonization Ordinance (Ordinance) amending the municipality's current labor laws addressing paid sick and safe time, job assistance, wage theft and minimum wage.

Among other things, the Ordinance encourages workers to report wage theft and certain other labor law violations by allowing them to apply to the Seattle Office for Civil Rights for a nonimmigration status visa (U Visa) for themselves and for family members if a report is made.

As a result of this development, a new section, Immigration, Form I-9 and Work Visas: Washington, has been added to the Employment Law Manual.