HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 5586

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development and Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Lee, Tanner, West and Bauer; by request of Department of Labor and Industries)

Changing provisions relating to hours of labor.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendment.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives Wang, Chair; Cole, Vice Chair; Fisher, Jones, R. King, Patrick, Sanders and Walker.

House Staff:Chris Cordes (786-7117)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Washington state law requires that certain public works contracts be performed in no more than eight hours in any calendar day.  In case of an emergency, the hours of work may be extended, but overtime must be paid to any person working more than eight hours in a day.  This overtime requirement prevents development of flexible work schedules such as a work week consisting of four ten-hour days.

SUMMARY:

Contractors and subcontractors are authorized to enter into agreements with their employees that allow the employees to work up to ten hours per calendar day for no more than four days a week.  The employees must approve any such agreement.  The public works overtime provisions do not apply to the hours, up to 40 hours per week, worked under these agreements.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Gary Smith, Independent Business Association; Bob Dilger, Washington Building and Construction Trades Council; and Duke Schaub, Associated General Contractors.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This bill will allow employees and employers to agree to more flexible work schedules on public works projects than current law allows.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.