New employment laws in 2023
On January 1st, the minimum wage in Washington state increased from $14.49 to $15.74 per hour, an increase of $1.25. Learn more. New requirements for workers who are exempt from…
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Proposed legislation will expand equitable access to Return to Work and Stay at Work reimbursements
WR has developed a proposal to expand access to light-duty offerings and the Stay-at-Work (SAW) reimbursement program. The proposal will allow more workers and employers in Washington State to benefit from…
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Three stats to watch in Seattle in 2023
Gene Balk, the FYI Guy at The Seattle Times, shared his views on three critically-important statistics to track in Seattle over the coming year. We’ve been tracking two of these…
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The coming upheaval in presidential election politics
With swing states no longer influencing the national presidential election process, newer ones are taking their place and changing the landscape—aka battlefield— of the 2024 election. Swing states, also known…
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Balance between inflation and interest rates key to avoiding recession
No one knows with certainty whether the Fed’s efforts to mitigate inflation will ultimately lead to a recession, but continued interest rate hikes may increase the likelihood. Efforts to decrease…
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Target raises hourly wage to as much as $24 while increasing access to benefits
With a tight labor market among retail employees, Target is stepping up its game. Target announced it is expanding its hourly pay range from $15 to as high as $24,…
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Retailers need new strategies amidst discounting pressures
Retailers were expecting the Saturday before Christmas to be a blockbuster day, with winter clothing in demand. No one counted on winter storms to dampen the momentum. Larger department store chains…
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