Washington § 49.58.060 - Complaint by employee — Investigation by director — Resolving the violation — Penalties.

(1) Upon complaint by an employee, the director must investigate to determine if there has been compliance with RCW 49.58.020, 49.58.040, and 49.58.050, and the rules adopted under this chapter. The director, upon complaint, may also initiate an investigation on behalf of one or more employees for a violation of RCW 49.58.020, 49.58.040, and 49.58.050, and the rules adopted under this chapter. The director may require the testimony of witnesses and production of documents as part of an investigation.

(2) If the director determines that a violation occurred, the director shall attempt to resolve the violation by conference and conciliation.

(a) If no agreement is reached to resolve the violation, the director may issue a citation and notice of assessment and order the employer to pay to the complainant actual damages; statutory damages equal to the actual damages or five thousand dollars, whichever is greater; interest of one percent per month on all compensation owed; payment to the department of the costs of investigation and enforcement; and any other appropriate relief.

(b) In addition to the citation and notice of assessment, the director may order payment to the department of a civil penalty. For purposes of a civil penalty for violation of RCW 49.58.020 and 49.58.050, the violation as to each affected employee constitutes a separate violation.

(i) For a first violation, the civil penalty may not exceed five hundred dollars.

(ii) For a repeat violation, the civil penalty may not exceed one thousand dollars or ten percent of the damages, whichever is greater.

(3) An appeal from the director's determination may be taken in accordance with chapter 34.05 RCW. An employee who prevails is entitled to costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.

(4) The department must deposit civil penalties paid under this section in the supplemental pension fund established under RCW 51.44.033.

(5) Any wages and interest owed must be calculated from four years from the last violation before the complaint.