Disputes

Filing disputes

You may file a complaint with the Employment Security Department if you feel your employer has:

Interfered with your ability to apply for or receive paid family or medical leave benefits, or

Discharged you or discriminated against you for applying for or receiving paid family or medical leave benefits.

The program will make a decision on whether your employer acted unlawfully. You will need to fill out the unlawful acts complaint form. Your employer may be liable for damages, and you may have other rights like job restoration.

Learn more about our commitment to equity and access.

Office of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds

You may also contact the Office of the Paid Family and Medical Leave Ombuds. The ombuds is an independent third party within the department that investigates, reports on and helps settle complaints about service deficiencies and concerns with the Paid Family and Medical Leave program. You may learn more about the ombuds at www.paidleaveombuds.wa.gov.