Skip to main content

Fair Employment

Fair Employment

Complaint Resolution

We investigate and resolve complaints alleging discrimination in employment which violates the King County Fair Employment Ordinance, King County Code, Title 12, Chapter 18.

This ordinance prohibits unfair employment practices because of a person's protected class:
  • race
  • color
  • age
  • gender
  • marital status
  • sexual orientation (includes gender identity)
  • religion
  • ancestry
  • national origin
  • disability
  • use of a service or assistive animal

Retaliation is prohibited

This ordinance prohibits any employer, employment agency or a labor organization from retaliating by taking action against any person because that person:

  • Opposed any practice forbidden by this chapter;
  • Compiled or proposed to comply with this chapter or any order issued under this chapter; or
  • Filed a complaint, testified or assisted in any manner in any investigation, proceeding or hearing initiated under this chapter.

Employers Covered by the Ordinance

  • Private employers located in unincorporated King County with eight or more employees
  • King County as an employer
  • Contractors doing business with King County.

Examples of Unfair Employment Actions

Harassment based on sex or other protected class
Failing to provide reasonable accommodation for disabled employees
Treating applicants or employees differently in any of the terms or conditions of employment, such as:
  • hiring and firing
  • transfer or promotion
  • compensation
  • job assignments
  • training

When can fair employment complaints be filed?

Employment complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged unfair employment practice (or within 180 days of when you became aware of it).

Education and Outreach

We can provide information about the Fair Employment Ordinance. Contact our office for more information.

206-263-2446

TTY Relay 711

Fax 206-296-4329

expand_less