Separation From Employment: Washington

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Sevilla Rhoads, Garvey Schubert Barer

Summary

• Washington employers must pay final wages within a certain period of time following termination of employment. See Payment of Final Wages.
• Washington employers are limited in what deductions can be made from the final paycheck. See Payment of Final Wages.
• In Washington, final payouts or forfeiture of vacation or sick leave time depend on the employer's established policies. See Leave Payouts.
• In Washington, there is a presumption of good faith for employers who provide post-employment references to prospective employers. See References.
• Washington employers must give written termination reasons upon request. See Termination Letters.
• Washington employees have the right to annually inspect their personnel files. See Personnel Files.
• Washington law has some record retention laws pertaining to former employees. See Records Retention.