Recent News

Washington's Pay Transparency Law will take effect January 1, 2023. Signed by Governor Jay Inslee, SB 5761 will require employers with 15 or more employees to include in job postings (1) wage scale or salary range, (2) general description of benefits, and (3) any additional compensation. This information must also be provided to employees receiving… Read More

September 30th, 2021 Attorney David Tingstad discuss noncompete agreements in employment and LLC matters. Read More

UPDATE: On October 12, 2021, OSHA provided President Biden with a draft of the emergency temporary standard that is referenced below.  It is expected that the White House will review this standard shortly, and if approved, it will be published to the Federal Register.  Washington has its own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health plan administered… Read More

In the context of a business combination—whether it is an asset purchase, stock purchase, or merger—due diligence is critical to establishing and maintaining value.  A recent case from the Washington Court of Appeals (Clarity Capital Corp. v. Ryan, Newman, & Salish Wealth Mgmt.), though unpublished, highlights a couple of lessons when it comes to due… Read More

If you manage or own a business with employees, you have likely faced (or will face) the need to address poor employee performance. This task is neither fun nor comfortable. Keep in mind, however, that providing honest, routine feedback can help protect employers from liability down the line, especially if the employment relationship goes sour. … Read More

The Washington Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, recently held that a 60-year exception to the state’s wage/hour laws for dairy workers is unconstitutional.  At issue was RCW 49.46.130(2)(g)—that section of the Washington Minimum Wage Act which exempts agricultural workers from earning overtime pay. In Martinez-Cuevas, et al. v. DeRuyter, et al., Jose Martinez-Cuevas and… Read More

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to large scale unemployment throughout the nation.  Washington State’s businesses and workers have been hit hard by the effects of this pandemic. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Stability Act (CARES Act), which contains many provisions to help small businesses, including the Payroll Protection Program (PPP) discussed here: https://beresfordlaw.com/what-you-should-know-about-the-payroll-protection-program/; as well… Read More

On March 18, 2020, the federal government enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), which also includes the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act (EFMLEA) among its provisions.  The EPSLA and EFMLEA apply to employers who have fewer than 500 employees, and cover new federal… Read More

For decades, Washington State left the its overtime rules essentially unchanged. But recent changes going into effect in July 2020 will dramatically increase the threshold for exemptions to overtime eligibility. When combined with the recent increase in Washington State’s minimum wage of $13.50/hour effective January 1, 2020, these changes will are expected to affect approximately… Read More