Small businesses, even those deemed essential are trying hard to survive in the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately many of us employment attorneys...

Can my boss make us work at a non essential job even though we were shut down due to coronavirus?

First of all, be 100% certain that the job is nonessential. I believe anything that is part of the supply chain is considered essential. But...

What can I do to help my sister?

No it’s blatantly illegal in my opinion. See RCW 49.52.060. Since he financially benefitted from the deduction your sister is likely able to get...

This cant be legal is it?

There are a lot more facts that would be needed to determine whether this was legal or not. Generally Washington is an at will state meaning they...

I want to work for free as a nonexempt employee for a restaurant ,or agree to accept pay in the future?

Volunteering is only Washington has a minimum wage (RCW 49.46 et seq). Zero is lower than the minimum wage. So working for free would be...

Is the below legal?

It doesn't appear to be. See RCW 49.46.210. See section 3 in particular. Good luck. Jim

I think if you press charges or sue, you hurt yourself more. He can easily counter sue and get double damages for your failure to pay him as...

I signed a contract at a higher wage and was later told it was wrong and they want to reduce it. Is that legal?

It depends. Does your contract include a specified duration of employment? i.e. For 2 years, etc. If not, it will fall under the general rule...

Without a written agreement between employer and employee, can an employer just withhold sales commission?

A verbal agreement is enforceable. The only challenge is people lie or misunderstand sometimes. What you are describing is likely illegal and...

Paid sick leave for salary paid employees?

Salaried (exempt) employees are not entitled to paid sick leave. That being said you have an interesting fact pattern. It is possible by paying...