The Washington State Patrol has agreed to pay up to $13 million in back wages to military veterans in their employ who didn’t receive credit for their service in hiring and promotional decisions.
An agreement between the agency and eight current and former employees who sued the patrol alleging violations of state and federal law still must be approved by a Spokane County judge.
The class-action lawsuit filed in 2014 alleged the WSP did not include percentage-point boosts to veterans on hiring and promotion exams required under state law.  Attorneys identified nearly 900 patrol employees or applicants who didn’t receive the credit they deserved for their military service, all of whom will be eligible for back pay if the agreement is approved.
Officials say it will likely be several months before veterans receive their back pay.  Potential recipients are given an opportunity to opt out of the agreement and negotiate their own settlement before the court’s final approval.
Attorneys and legal experts say it’s the largest cash payout in a case brought under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, a 1994 federal law requiring employers to give military members job protections, honor promotions, and other benefits that accrue during service.
The WSP says the agency has been in full compliance with veteran-related employment laws since January 2013. Â (Spokesman-Review)
