Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/1127356
What You Need to Know About Washington's FMLA Law BY RACHEL FAUSNAUGHT PRIMEPAY A s of January 1 this year, Washington state began implementation of a generous paid family and medical leave program It allows employees to take up to 12 weeks (or more) of paid time off to care for new children or deal with illnesses DETAILS Employees in Washington may use paid family and medical leave benefits starting in 2020 Generally, these benefits allow employees to take up to 12 weeks (16 under certain circumstances) of paid leave per year to care for themselves or their family members When an employee returns from leave, they can return to the same or equivalent job and claim any employment benefits accrued before taking the leave FUNDING Workers and employers will contribute premiums to this statewide insurance program together through payroll withholding Premiums are paid by nearly all employees in Washington and many of their employers For 2019, the rate is 0 4% of an employee's wage— about 63% is paid by the worker and about 37% by the employer ELIGIBILITY Any employee who has completed 820 hours of work for an employer in Washington during the qualifying period is eligible for this program IS PARTICIPATION MANDATORY? Nearly all employers in Washington state have responsibilities under the paid family and medical leave program While businesses with fewer than 50 employees don't have to pay the employer portion of the premium, all employers must collect and remit employee premiums to the Employment Security Department (ESD) Employers must also report employee wages, hours worked, and other information to ESD on a quarterly basis A poster notifying employees of the program will also be available before Jan 2020 and must be displayed in the workplace Employer-run paid family and medical leave plans may also be an option, however employers must apply to ESD and be approved to offer a voluntary alternative plan Stay compliant. PrimePay is set up to manage payroll and track and manage employee and employer FMLA contributions. Learn more at primepay.com/mbaks membership value 40 master builder SUMMER 2019