Arbitration Agreements May Require Revision to Remain Enforceable in Washington State

By Krista Nelson Slosburg | Related Practice: Employment

Employers that use non-disclosure agreements or include arbitration clauses in employment agreements should take note of two new pieces of Washington legislation that take effect this week, on June 7, 2018.

Senate Bill 6313 makes a provision of an employment agreement void and unenforceable if it requires employees to waive their right to pursue a state or federal discrimination claim publicly (in public trial, instead of private arbitration).

Senate Bill 5996 prohibits employers from requiring employees to sign non-disclosure agreements, waivers, or other documents that condition employment on agreeing not to disclose or discuss sexual harassment.

If your company uses arbitration agreements, non-disclosure agreements, or incorporates either type of provision in employment contracts, contact one of our employment attorneys to review your template agreements.