Washington

In Washington State, a comprehensive framework of laws and programs supports pregnant workers and new parents, ensuring they can balance work and family responsibilities effectively.

Pregnancy and Work
Protection Against Pregnancy Discrimination
Under Washington law, employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited from discriminating against pregnant workers. The Healthy Starts Act mandates reasonable accommodations for pregnant employees, such as:

More frequent, longer, or flexible restroom breaks
Modification of a no-food-or-drink policy
Job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules
Assignment to a vacant position
Acquisition or modification of equipment or devices
Appropriate seating or allowing the employee to sit more frequently
Employers are required to provide these accommodations unless they can demonstrate that doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the business. Learn More

Workplace Accommodations
In addition to state laws, the Federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees for known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation would cause undue hardship. Learn More
Workplace Safety for Pregnant Workers
Employers must ensure a safe working environment for pregnant employees. If you believe your workplace is unsafe, you can file a complaint with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Washington's Healthy Starts Act complements this by specifying accommodations like flexible scheduling, modified job duties, and temporary transfers to less strenuous positions.

Workplace Safety for Pregnant Workers
Employers must ensure a safe working environment for pregnant employees. If conditions are unsafe, employees can report concerns to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Taking Time Off Work
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for childbirth, bonding with a new child, or serious medical conditions, including pregnancy-related issues. Eligibility requires:
Employment with the employer for at least 12 months
At least 1,250 hours worked in the past year
Employment at a location with 50 or more employees within 75 miles

Washington Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)
Washington offers a state-run program providing paid leave for family and medical reasons, including:
Up to 12 weeks for serious health conditions or family bonding
Up to 16 weeks for combined medical and family leave
Up to 18 weeks in cases of pregnancy complications
Eligibility requires working at least 820 hours in Washington during the qualifying period. Learn More

Returning to Work with a Baby
Break Time for Nursing Mothers

Under the federal PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, employers must provide

Reasonable break times for expressing breast milk for one year after the child's birth
A private, non-bathroom space shielded from view and free from intrusion
Washington State law extends these protections, requiring accommodations for up to two years postpartum for employers with 15 or more employees. Learn More

Parental Rights for Sick or Family Leave
Employees may qualify for unpaid leave under FMLA or PFML to care for a child or family member with a serious health condition. Learn More

Workplace Protections for New Parents
Equal Pay: Washington law mandates equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender or parental status.

Employment Termination: Employers cannot terminate or retaliate against employees for taking protected leave (e.g., FMLA or PFML) or requesting pregnancy-related accommodations.

Job Protection: Both FMLA and PFML guarantee that employees can return to their same or an equivalent position after taking parental leave.

Support for Parents in Washington
Childcare Assistance
Washington offers programs like the Working Connections Child Care (WCCC) and Seasonal Child Care (SCC) to help low-income families with childcare costs. Learn More
Families can apply online at Washington Connection or call 1-844-626-8687 for assistance.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TANF provides temporary cash assistance to low-income families with children. Eligibility is based on income and family size. You can apply online at Washington Connection or call 877-501-2233.

Flexible Work Policies
Some Washington employers may offer flexible work arrangements, remote work, or paid parental leave as part of their benefits.hile not required by law for all employers, it is encouraged, especially through guidance from organizations like the Washington State Employment Security Department.

Breastfeeding-related Rights

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to provide

Reasonable break time to express breast milk for a nursing child up to one year after birth
A place to pump at work that is not a bathroom, shielded from view, and free from intrusion
The PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act expanded these rights to more employees, including agricultural workers, nurses, teachers, truck and taxi drivers, home care workers, and managers.The PUMP Act requires employers to provide:
Reasonable break time for expressing milk
A private space, other than a bathroom, for pumping. Learn More

These laws and programs aim to support pregnant workers and new parents in Washington State, ensuring they can effectively balance work and family responsibilities.