Rod’s Reminder

Don’t forget about the WLAD.

Washington is one of those few states that have a strong state law against discrimination, the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD). Too often when employers enter into a dialogue of sexual harassment, and other forms of discriminatory conduct, they tend to focus on the federal components of the law (i.e. Title VII, ADA, FMLA). In so doing they fail to take into account that they may have a greater obligation to act under corresponding state law. In addition, keep in mind that an experienced employment law attorney will always examine the facts of their client’s case to determine which law affords a greater degree of protection.

The lesson: Ignore state law at your peril.