Last Updated: March 15, 2021
Seattle’s Gig Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time (“PSST”) Ordinance (the “Ordinance”) requires hiring entities to provide PSST to certain covered gig workers during the civil emergency related to COVID-19. PSST allows covered gig workers to take paid leave to care for their own health and safety, the health and safety of a family member, or critical safety issues, under qualifying circumstances. The requirement to provide Gig Worker PSST expires 180 days after the end of any COVID-19 civil emergency.
Reasons for Use
Covered gig workers can use accrued PSST for any reason covered under the Ordinance, including:
- To care for themselves or a family member for a physical or mental health condition, including a doctor’s appointment.
- To care for themselves or a family member for reasons related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
- When their family member’s school or place of care has been closed.
- When their place of business has been closed by order of public official for health or safety related reasons.
- When their place of business reduces, suspends, or discontinues operations for health or safety related reasons.
Amount of Accrual
Covered gig workers accrue one (1) day of PSST for every 30 calendar days of work in the City of Seattle after October 1, 2019. Each day with at least one pick-up or drop-off within the City of Seattle counts towards accrual.
Anti-Retaliation
Retaliation against a gig worker for exercising any of their rights provided by the Ordinance, including for, using PSST, filing a complaint with the Seattle Office of Labor Standards, or telling others about their rights, is prohibited.
Gig workers may file a complaint with the Seattle Office of Labor Standards or bring a civil action for violation of the requirements of the Ordinance, including for: a hiring entity’s denial of PSST as required by the Ordinance; a hiring entity or other person's retaliation against a gig worker or other person for requesting or taking PSST; or otherwise engaging in an activity protected by the Ordinance.
Please see Zum’s Seattle Gig Worker Paid Sick and Safe Time Policy for additional information.