(1) A transportation network company may, but is not required to, frontload paid sick time to a driver in advance of accrual.
(2) If a transportation network company frontloads paid sick time, the transportation network company must ensure that such frontloaded paid sick time complies with the provisions of RCW
49.46.210 and all applicable rules.
(3) If a transportation network company frontloads paid sick time, the transportation network company must do so by using a reasonable calculation, consistent with the accrual requirement set forth under RCW
49.46.210(5), to determine the amount of paid sick time the driver would be projected to accrue during the period of time for which paid sick time is being frontloaded.
(a) If the transportation network company calculates and frontloads, and a driver subsequently uses, an amount of paid sick time which exceeds the paid sick time the driver would have otherwise accrued absent frontloading, the transportation network company must not seek reimbursement from the driver for such paid sick time.
(b) If a transportation network company frontloads paid sick time to a driver, but such frontloaded paid sick time is less than the amount the driver was entitled to accrue under RCW
49.46.210(5), the transportation network company must make such additional amounts of earned paid sick time available for use by the driver as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 calendar days after identifying the discrepancy.
(4) If a transportation network company frontloads paid sick time, the company must have a written policy or an agreement with a third-party administrator which addresses the requirements for use of frontloaded paid sick time. A transportation network company must notify drivers of such policy or an agreement with a third-party administrator prior to frontloading a driver paid sick time, and must make this information readily available to all drivers via an accessible system.
(5) A transportation network company may not seek reimbursement from a driver for frontloaded paid sick time used prior to accrual under RCW
49.46.210(5), unless there is a specific agreement with a third-party administrator in place allowing for such a reimbursement.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
49.46.300(16) and chapter
49.46 RCW. WSR 22-24-034, § 296-128-99190, filed 11/30/22, effective 1/1/23.]