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Washington - Jury Duty Employer Obligations
Washington - Jury Duty Employer Obligations
Washington - Jury Duty and Work | Employer Obligations
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| Does my employer have to give me leave for jury duty in Washington?
In Washington, employers are required to provide you with unpaid time off for reporting to jury selection or jury duty. You may have to show your employer your jury summons in order to be given the necessary leave.
Your employer can never punish you for missing work to attend jury duty. However, if missing work would cause your employer undue hardship, it may be considered as an acceptable jury duty excuse.
| Does my employer have to pay me for days I served on a jury in Washington?
State law does compel employers to pay the wages or salary of employees while they are serving as jurors. However, many employers, including state and local government agencies, have a policy which compensates employees for at least part, if not all, the time spent for jury service.
You will receive a nominal jury duty payment from the State of Washington for each day you serve on a jury, as well as potential reimbursements for travel expenses. However, jury duty pay tends to be a token amount rather than actual compensation.
| Can I be disciplined or punished for missing work for jury duty in Washington?
No employer will deprive an employee of their employment or threaten, coerce, or harass; or deny the employee promotional opportunities due to the employee performing jury service obligations.
You should be sure to show your employer your Washington jury duty summons letter when you receive it, and update them with your jury duty dates if you are assigned to a trial, to ensure that you receive your mandatory time off.
| What happens if I am disciplined by my employer in Washington?
An employer (any person, association, partnership, or private or public corporation who employs or exercises control over wages, hours, or working conditions) who performs such adverse action may be found guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment of up to 90 days, or both.
A dismissed employee may bring a civil action for damages and a reinstatement order.Successful employee will be awarded reasonable attorney's fee as fixed by the court.
If you have been punished for missing work due to jury duty, contact the joror office of the court that summoned you, and they will assist in ensuring that your rights are protected.