VETO MESSAGE ON SB 5739-S

                   May 20, 1997

To the Honorable President and Members,

  The Senate of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5739 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to employee wearing apparel;"

     This bill would require employers to furnish or compensate employees for apparel that they require employees to wear during working hours if the apparel is distinctive, has a logo, or is an uncommon color.  However, if employees are required to wear apparel of a common color that conforms to a general dress code or style, employees would have to pay for that apparel.

     While I recognize that employers have the right to require presentable business attire, I also believe that the question of who pays for mandatory workplace attire does not need to be addressed in statute.  This issue can be dealt with more appropriately within the existing rule-making authority of the Department of Labor and Industries.  I hereby direct the Department to review its rules on workplace attire to expand beyond the current rule but not to the extent of this legislation.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5739 in its entirety.

     I am hereby returning, without my approval, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill No. 5739.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor