On page 2, beginning on line 5 of the amendment, after "(4)" strike all material through "periods." on line 10, and insert "The department of labor and industries shall adopt rules:

(a) Allowing an employer to request a variance from subsection (1) of this section; and

(b) Providing that the department may grant the variance when the director determines that the employer has shown good cause for the variance."

EFFECT: Removes the provision that exempted employees from the meal and rest periods when they are covered by a current collective bargaining agreement or by an agreement entered into after the effective date of this act that specifically covers meal and rest breaks.

Adds a provision that requires L&I to adopt rules to allow an employer to seek a variance from the meal and rest break provisions contained in section 1 of the bill and provides that the department may grant the variance when the director determines that the employer has shown good cause for the variance.