Employment Law Blog


"A general discussion of the laws affecting the workplace from both the perspective of the small-business owner and that of the individual employee. Mission: Functioning, fair workplaces that allow everyone to do their job at their best, from management to the line worker."

Author: D. Jill Pugh is a solo practitioner in Seattle.

Blawg Related Categories: Labor & Employment • Solo / Small Firm

Recent Posts from Employment Law Blog


  • If My Disability Leave is Longer Than 12 Weeks Can My Employer Fire Me?

    I frequently receive inquiries from workers who have disabilities causing them to be away from work for more than the 12 weeks protected by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Often these individuals…

  • Additions to Seattle's Anti Discrimination Laws

    I subscribe to the Seattle Office of Civil Rights Newsletter and learned today that in June of this year the Seattle City Council voted to add veterans and military status to the list of groups…

  • Work Furloughs - Can My Employer Do That?

    The headlines are full of stories of employers instituting short and long term work furloughs as a response to the current state of the economy. A recent survey found that mandatory furloughs increased significantly in…

  • Pregnancy Discrimination on the Rise

    Based on the emails and calls received by my office, pregnancy discrimination in employment is definitely on the rise here in Washington state. This year I would estimate I have received at least one inquiry…

  • Representation At Unemployment Hearings Is Key

    I know I am a broken record on this subject, but I have to say it again - individuals who have either been denied their unemployment benefits or whose former employer is challenging their right…

  • Local Photographer Offering Free Headshots to Job Seekers

    Learned of this good deed being done by local photographer Rasmus Rasmussen through Twitter. He is offering free headshots to job seekers. You need to be at C & P Coffee in West Seattle (5612…

  • Washington Unemployment Compensation Benefits: There Is Some Good News

    As readers of this blog know, Washington's Legislature has done some serious damage on the unemployment compensation front to workers in this state. However, the 2009 session wasn't all bad. There was some good news…

  • The Apple/Steve Jobs and Palm/Ed Colligan Story Could Only Happen in CA

    The news outlets, tech blogs have been all a buzz of the "breaking" story that two years ago Apple's Steve Jobs approached Palm's then CEO Ed Colligan to suggest they not hire away employees from…

  • Twitter Is A Double Edged Sword

    A great article from the Puget Sound Business Journal made the rounds on Twitter today: "Job Hunting? Watch What You Tweet" Much as this blog touts the benefits of using Twitter to find a job,…

  • Job Openings Via Twitter

    Saw what looked like some interesting postings today; here are two that I "re tweeted": Hiring a Senior Designer at RealNetworks, by way of @AdDataExpress who was re-tweeting @DesignJobsSEA (Amazon) Senior Vendor Manager/Senior Buyer, Toys…