Workers in Washington may request to inspect their personnel files at least once per year. Upon request by the worker, a business must make the personnel file available within a reasonable period of time. Former workers also have the same rights to review their personnel files as current workers. This law is silent on whether the employer must provide COPIES of information in the personnel file to workers (instead of just an opportunity to review), or whether the employer may charge workers a reasonable fee to make copies of the file. However, to avoid a potential fight, I would go ahead and provide a copy. Otherwise you may create a scene when the employee shows up to review the file, and they may just bring a digital camera or something anyway. Plus, if you refuse to allow a copy, it potentially make you look like you have something to hide. Save the fight for more important issues, such as if they decide to take legal action concerning the termination.
