New bill mandates 60 days notice for closures or layoffs affecting Washington employees.

The Sydney Swans scandal has ignited widespread public outrage, with many questioning the implications of no police charges being laid. The incident involves allegations of alleged sexual assault and a culture of heavy drinking, adult entertainers, and team hotel gatherings during the finals season. While five players were sanctioned by the club for breaching standards, no criminal charges have been filed, leaving fans and commentators divided. The article explores the tension between public anger over perceived workplace misconduct and the legal threshold for criminal action. It highlights how societal discomfort with violence against women has shifted perceptions of acceptable behavior in sports, while also critiquing the lack of clarity around the club's internal standards. The piece argues that without defining explicit boundaries, 'standards' risk becoming a vague moral code rather than actionable policies. The debate extends beyond individual cases to broader cultural norms, questioning how much tolerance exists for male-dominated sporting cultures that normalize heavy drinking and sexualization of women. This incident underscores the complex interplay between legal accountability, workplace ethics, and societal values in professional sports.

The Labor and Workplace Standards Committee on Feb. 25, 2026 reported four Senate bills out of committee with due-pass recommendations, including a move to actuarial rate-setting for paid family and medical leave, new notice requirements for striking workers, confidentiality protections for layoff notices, and a change to plumbing credential suspension rules.

In executive session the Labor and Workplace Standards Committee reported several bills out of committee with due-pass recommendations, including changes to prevailing-wage adjustments (SB 50 61), penalty waivers for reporting errors (SB 58 74), language-access provider compensation (SB 59 44), arbitration for jail correctional officers (SB 59 72), and investigations into independent-contractor misclassification (SB 63 02).

Legislature enacts laws enhancing domestic worker protections and updating wage disclosure rules.

Family-oriented immigrant embraces opportunities in Washington to build a better life.

Board adopts revisions to alternative worksite, employee recognition, and drug policies.

High Court says comments were offensive but not beyond redemption

Colfax County officials discuss new dress code and staffing shortages amidst budget cuts