OLYMPIA, Wash., June 22, 2021 – In anticipation of the statewide June 30 reopening date, yesterday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced three of the proclamations related to the COVID-19 pandemic he plans to rescind with many more coming.
Unemployment conditions reinstated July 4
Proclamation 20-30, which suspends statutory job search requirements for applicants seeking unemployment insurance will be rescinded effective July 4.
In order to remain eligible for unemployment benefits, one must look for work and document:
- At least three approved job search activities each week if you are receiving regular unemployment insurance benefits or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).
- At least one approved job search activity each week if you are receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). We strongly encourage those receiving PUA to still complete at least three each week. See the FAQ about PUA job search on our website to learn more.
Additional information for job seekers is available from the Employment Security Department here.
Read the full proclamation here.
Repeal of protections for high-risk workers June 28
Proclamation 20-46, which provides protections for high-risk workers, has been substantially replaced by Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5115 and was made immediately effective. This new law, which was signed and made effective immediately, is known as the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (HELSA), applies to workplaces only during a declared public health emergency involving an infectious or contagious disease.
HELSA protects high-risk employees from being discharged, permanently replaced, or discriminated against in the workplace for seeking accommodation from exposure to an infectious or contagious disease during a public health emergency
Information about these protections is available here. This rescission is effective June 28.
Read the full proclamation here.
Immediate Repeal of Food Delivery Fees Limits
Proclamation 20-76, which limited the fees that third-party delivery services could charge restaurants for delivering food to customers. This rescission is effective immediately.
A third-party food delivery platform such as GrubHub, DoorDash, or Uber Eats are no longer constrained to a maximum 18% fee amount to an establishment for the use of their services, including the delivery fee.
Read the full proclamation here.
Author: Mario Lotmore
