HB 2944-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Establishes the safe leave act for Washington railroad workers.

Finds that railroad employees have no paid sick leave and may be subject to discipline for absence due to illness or injury.

Prohibits a railroad carrier from dismissing, suspending, laying off, demoting, or otherwise disciplining: (1) An employee because of absence due to illness or injury of the employee or the employee's spouse or child; or

(2) An operating craft employee because of layoff due to fatigue.

Requires a railroad carrier to establish a fatigue layoff program under which an operating craft employee may layoff due to fatigue without being subjected to discipline or any type of availability or attendance policy.

Requires the utilities and transportation commission, before approving the layoff program, to submit the program to the leadership of the operating craft rail labor organizations state legislative boards for review and input.