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Workers’ Rights
All workers are protected by laws and rules covering wages, working conditions, and overtime pay. This information is provided as a guide for general education and is not intended as legal advice.
In Washington state, you have five basic rights as a worker:
1. You have the right to be paid.
2. You have the right to take care of yourself and your family.
3. You have the right to be free of discrimination.
4. You have the right to be safe at work.
5. You have the right to organize.
The Washington State Workers' Rights Manual is provided by the Washington State Labor Education and Research Center at South Seattle College. For more information, visit their website www.walaborcenter.org.
The State of the Student Worker at the University of Washington
The Bridges Center Research team created a mixed-methods report that delves into the experiences of student workers who attend the University of Washington and their relationship with work.
Read the report to learn more about their findings and recommendations.
National Labor Relations Act
In 1935, Congress enacted the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to establish a clear policy in the United States that promotes collective bargaining by protecting workers’ full freedom of association. The NLRA upholds workplace democracy by providing employees in the private sector the essential right to pursue improved working conditions and representation without the fear of retaliation.
Employees covered by the National Labor Relations Act have specific rights to unite for better wages and working conditions, whether or not they belong to a union. The NLRA protects the rights of employees, even if they are not unionized, to participate in “concerted activity,” which occurs when two or more employees take action for their mutual aid or protection regarding terms and conditions.
Not represented by a union, but want to be? You have the right to form, join, or assist a union as a student worker. There are many unions on campus representing a variety of workers at UW.
Immigration Rights
Everyone has rights, regardless of immigration status. Below are several resources and tips from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU WA), Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, and the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network to help you understand your rights when interacting with various law enforcement officials and officers. It is important to be aware of your rights and the rights of fellow community members.
This information is provided as a guide for general education and is not intended as legal advice.
Planning for College and Beyond
Leadership Without Borders is a resource on campus committed to providing undocumented students with a variety of support services to empower and prepare students for college success.
Know Your Rights with ICE
This information is available in English, Chinese (Simplified), French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Lingala, Portuguese, Somali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Know Your Rights - Immigration Court
This information is available in Amharic, Arabic, English/Español, English/Français, English/Mandarin, English/Portuguese, and Farsi.
Know Your Rights when you are stopped, questioned, arrested, or searched by law enforcement officers.
(Available in English, Arabic, Urdu, Farsi, Hindi, Spanish, French)