Washington Revised Code Title 42. Public Officers and Agencies § 42.41.020. Definitions

(2) “Local government” means any governmental entity other than the state, federal agencies, or an operating system established under chapter 43.52 RCW.  It includes, but is not limited to cities, counties, school districts, and special purpose districts.

(3) “Retaliatory action” means: (a) Any adverse change in a local government employee's employment status, or the terms and conditions of employment including denial of adequate staff to perform duties, frequent staff changes, frequent and undesirable office changes, refusal to assign meaningful work, unwarranted and unsubstantiated letters of reprimand or unsatisfactory performance evaluations, demotion, transfer, reassignment, reduction in pay, denial of promotion, suspension, dismissal, or any other disciplinary action; or (b) hostile actions by another employee towards a local government employee that were encouraged by a supervisor or senior manager or official.

(4) “Emergency” means a circumstance that if not immediately changed may cause damage to persons or property.