PDFWAC 296-128-650

Reasonable notice.

(1) An employer may require employees to give reasonable notice of an absence from work for the use of paid sick leave for an authorized purpose under RCW 49.46.210 (1)(b). Employers may require employees to comply with the employer's notification policies, as long as such policies do not interfere with an employee's lawful use of paid sick leave.
(a) If the need for paid sick leave is foreseeable, the employer may require advance notice from the employee. Unless the employer allows less advance notice, the employee must provide notice at least ten days, or as early as practicable, in advance of the use of paid sick leave.
(b) If the need for paid sick leave is unforeseeable, the employer may require notice from the employee. The employee must provide notice to the employer as soon as possible before the required start of their shift, unless it is not practicable to do so. In the event it is impracticable for an employee to provide notice to their employer, a person on the employee's behalf may provide notice to the employer.
(2) If an employer requires employees to give reasonable notice of an absence from work for the use of paid sick leave for an authorized purpose under the Domestic Violence Leave Act, chapter 49.76 RCW, any such reasonable notice requirements must comply with the provisions outlined in WAC 296-135-060.
(3) Employers must have a written policy or a collective bargaining agreement outlining any requirements of an employee to give reasonable notice for the use of paid sick leave, and must make notification of such policy or agreement, prior to requiring an employee to provide reasonable notice. An employer must make this information readily available to all employees. If an employer does not require an employee to give reasonable notice for the use of paid sick leave, a written policy is not required.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.46.810. WSR 17-21-092, § 296-128-650, filed 10/17/17, effective 1/1/18.]