Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC)

The Pacific-northwest state of Washington – home to over 6.5 million people – brings in an annual GDP of around $311 billion, according to 2007 estimates. The state supports a wide variety of industries, including biotechnology, computer and IT, lumber and mining, and aerospace. WA is the headquarters for powerhouse “new economy” companies like Microsoft, Amazon.com, Costco, and Starbucks. Seattle, WA (located on Puget Sound) serves as a gateway for citizens and entrepreneurs coming to America from Eastern Asia.

The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) manages worker discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints. The commission gets its power pursuant to Washington’s Law Against Discrimination (State Code 49.60). The WSHRC strives to: enforce a law effectively and fairly; stop discrimination and unfair practices; find mutual solutions for employers and employees; and provide education and training to keep Washington’s workforce vigorous, safe, and productive. Antidiscrimination laws in Washington offer workers broad protections across the board.

Washington hasn’t always been a haven for workers’ rights. During the first few decades of Seattle’s history, for instance, a fire incinerated most of the city’s buildings; and, in a separate incident, many of Seattle’s buildings literally sunk into the ground because they had been built on porous soil. Seattle employers at the time subjected their workers to dangerous workplaces and compelled them to work overtime without pay in order to rebuild the town.

If your Washington employer has discriminated against you, harassed you, or subjected you to unsafe or unfair working conditions, take proactive steps to protect your rights by connecting with us at Joseph, Herzfeld, Hester & Kirschenbaum LLP.