Open door policies show up in a lot of Washington employee handbooks, and management often sells them as proof the workplace is fair and supportive. Supervisors may even say you can stop by anytime to talk about what is going on. For hourly workers trying to keep the...
Maloney O'Laughlin PLLC fights for employees throughout Washington, from Kirkland to Spokane.
Year: 2026
Protected classes similar to racial discrimination
When considering workplace discrimination, racial discrimination often comes up. Today, this type of discrimination is expressly prohibited. But it did happen quite often historically, and workers are still concerned when they see evidence of it taking place in the...
Questions employers should not ask during interviews
It is important for employers to be careful with the questions they ask during interviews. In some cases, these questions could lead to allegations of discrimination. An employer may broach a topic that is not legal for them to ask a prospective employee about and...
When sexual harassment reporting leads to retaliation
Sexual harassment in the workplace is strictly prohibited. However, studies consistently find that it is also underreported. Many people experience harassment and never speak up or take any other steps. One potential reason why this happens is because they are...
Can your employer require you to be 100% healed?
You are ready to return after an injury, but your doctor has placed limits on what you can do. Then your employer says you cannot come back until you are “100% healed.” That one-size-fits-all rule may conflict with Washington disability law. If you can do the main...
Do you need a doctor’s note for pregnancy accommodations?
You are pregnant, your body is changing and a few workplace adjustments could make your day safer and more manageable. Then a manager asks for a doctor's note first. Is that allowed? In Washington, many common requests need no note. Knowing which ones do can help you...
Can an employer base a job decision on your accent?
National origin discrimination is commonly reported in the workplace. And a significant percentage of the cases involve accent. Many employees and job applicants report being treated unfavorably because of their accent. For example, they are not hired, passed over for...
When workplace exclusion becomes disability discrimination
Not every unpleasant or exclusionary workplace is a discriminatory one. Co-workers are generally free to choose whom they join for lunch, socialize with after work or consider a friend. Feeling left out can make a job miserable, but cliques and personality conflicts...
Obstacles to consider when reporting pregnancy discrimination
Pregnancy discrimination at work is a serious issue for many employees in Washington. Laws protect pregnant workers, but reporting discrimination can still be difficult. Knowing what challenges may arise can help you prepare before taking action. Fear of retaliation...
Can your employer cut working hours because you are pregnant?
Finding out you are about to become a mother is one of the most exciting times of a woman’s life. For women who strive to balance their professional and personal life, the last thing they want to know is that their working hours have been slashed. If the employer...