Question 1

Is holiday pay required by law in Washington?

Accepted Answer

In Washington, there is no state law requiring employers to pay premium rates for working on holidays. Holiday pay is determined by employer policy, employment contracts, or collective bargaining agreements.

Question 2

What is the typical holiday pay rate in Washington?

Accepted Answer

In Washington, the most common holiday pay rate is time-and-a-half (1.5x your regular hourly rate). Tech companies and retail commonly offer 1.5x-2x for holiday work. Some employers offer double-time (2x) for major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving.

Question 3

Which holidays qualify for premium pay in Washington?

Accepted Answer

Common holidays for premium pay in Washington include New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The specific holidays covered depend on your employer's policy. Federal employees observe 11 federal holidays.

Question 4

Do salaried employees in Washington get holiday pay?

Accepted Answer

In Washington, salaried exempt employees typically receive their regular salary regardless of holidays. If required to work on a company holiday, additional compensation depends on the employer's policy. Non-exempt salaried employees may be entitled to overtime for holiday work.

Question 5

Can my Washington employer require me to work on holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most employers in Washington can require employees to work on holidays. There's no general law prohibiting this. However, union contracts may have specific provisions about holiday work, and employees can negotiate holiday schedules with their employers.

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