Policy—purpose
Seattle Mun. Code ch. 4.20, subch. III, § 4.20.800
in effect4.20.800 - Policy—purpose
It is the purpose of this ordinance to:
A. Encourage City employees to report in good faith assertions of improper governmental action and to provide employees with a clear process for making reports;
B. Provide City employees protection from retaliatory action for making a good faith report or being perceived as making a report, or cooperating or being perceived as cooperating in any subsequent inquiry or investigation;
C. Provide for an independent investigation of reports to inform the operation of City government and promote the public confidence;
D. Provide for an independent investigation and determination of alleged retaliation;
E. Provide an administrative forum in which to address the harm caused by retaliatory behavior;
F. Provide for the assessment of penalties against individuals who retaliate against a City employee;
G. Adopt a whistleblower program to comply with RCW 42.41, Local Government Whistleblower Protection; and
H. In adopting this subchapter do nothing to diminish employee rights under any collective bargaining agreement.
(Ord. 124362, § 1, 2013; Ord. 117039, § 1(part), 1994; Ord. 116368, § 90, 1992; Ord. 116005, § 9, 1991; Ord. 115464 § 1(part), 1990.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT4PE_CH4.20COWOCOGE_SUBCHAPTER_IIIREHIPR_4.20.800POURFetched: 11/1/2026