NEW SEXUAL HARASSMENT PREVENTION LAW TAKES EFFECT IN WASHINGTON STATE

SEIU6 janitors and security officers made history in 2019 when we pushed for greater protections against workplace sexual harassment and assault. Our brave members spoke out in the media and before the Washington State legislature to help pass ESSB 5258, a law that aims to keep workers safe, especially those who work in isolated settings.

The new law requires employers do the following:

—Adopt a sexual harassment policy.
—Require training for all employees, including managers, supervisors, and foremen.
—Provide a list of resources to employees on federal, state, and local enforcement and advocacy groups to reach out to if sexual harassment occurs.
—Provide a panic button to all janitors, hotel housekeepers, and other isolated workers. (Security officers are exempt from this requirement since they already carry similar equipment.)

The new panic button is intended for janitors to use to call for help in case of emergency. If you have questions about how your employer is using it, please contact our union by calling your organizer, sending us a message on Facebook, or calling our main line at (206) 448-7348.