Washington § 73.16.032 - Employment rights — Prohibited actions.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 73.16.032 — Employment rights — Prohibited actions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 73.16.032. Employment rights — Prohibited actions.

(1) A person who is a member of, applies to be a member of, performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform service in a uniformed service shall not be denied initial employment, retention in employment, promotion, or any benefit of employment by an employer on the basis of that membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation.
(2) An employer may not discriminate in employment against or take any adverse employment action against any person because such person (a) has taken an action to enforce a protection afforded any person under this chapter, (b) has testified or otherwise made a statement in or in connection with any proceeding under this chapter, (c) has assisted or otherwise participated in an investigation under this chapter, or (d) has exercised a right provided for in this chapter. The prohibition in this subsection (2) applies with respect to a person regardless of whether that person has performed service in the uniformed services.
(3) An employer shall be considered to have engaged in actions prohibited:
(a) Under subsection (1) of this section, if the person's membership, application for membership, service, application for service, or obligation for service in the uniformed services is a motivating factor in the employer's action, unless the employer can prove that the action would have been taken in the absence of such membership, application for membership, service, application for service, or obligation for service; or
(b) Under subsection (2) of this section if the person's (i) action to enforce a protection afforded any person under this chapter, (ii) testimony or making of a statement in or in connection with any proceeding under this chapter, (iii) assistance or other participation in an investigation under this chapter, or (iv) exercise of a right provided for in this chapter, is a motivating factor in the employer's action, unless the employer can prove that the action would have been taken in the absence of such person's enforcement action, testimony, statement, assistance, participation, or exercise of a right.
[ 2001 c 133 s 4.]

Notes

Effective date—2001 c 133: See note following RCW 73.16.005.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 73.16.032

What does Revised Code of Washington § 73.16.032 cover?

Section 73.16.032 ("Employment rights — Prohibited actions.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 73.16.032?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 73.16.032" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 73.16.032 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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