Revised Code of Washington - RCW Title 49 Labor Regulations - Section 49.17.160 Discrimination against employee filing complaint, instituting proceedings, or testifying prohibited -- Procedure -- Remedy

§ 49.17.160. Discrimination against employee filing complaint, instituting proceedings, or testifying prohibited -- Procedure -- Remedy

(1) No person shall discharge or in any manner discriminate against any employee because such employee has filed any complaint or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or related to this chapter, or has testified or is about to testify in any such proceeding or because of the exercise by such employee on behalf of himself or others of any right afforded by this chapter.

(2) Any employee who believes that he has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of this section may, within thirty days after such violation occurs, file a complaint with the director alleging such discrimination. Upon receipt of such complaint, the director shall cause such investigation to be made as he deems appropriate. If upon such investigation, the director determines that the provisions of this section have been violated, he shall bring an action in the superior court of the county wherein the violation is alleged to have occurred against the person or persons who is alleged to have violated the provisions of this section. If the director determines that the provisions of this section have not been violated, the employee may institute the action on his own behalf within thirty days of such determination. In any such action the superior court shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, to restrain violations of subsection (1) of this section and order all appropriate relief including rehiring or reinstatement of the employee to his former position with back pay.

(3) Within ninety days of the receipt of the complaint filed under this section, the director shall notify the complainant of his determination under subsection (2) of this section.

[1973 c 80 § 16.]

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Last modified: April 7, 2009