FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5586

                                  C 121 L 88

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development & 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.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

Anyone who works on state or local road, bridge or building projects is limited to an eight-hour work day which may be extended in cases of extraordinary emergency such as danger to life or property.  Overtime of time and one-half must be paid in such extensions.  Any contractor or subcontractor who violates these provisions may be subjected to fine or imprisonment or both.  All contracts with the state or local government must contain these provisions.  The government may cancel any contract not performed in accordance with these requirements.

It is suggested that the prohibition of working more than eight hours a day limits the flexibility of workers and employers.

SUMMARY:

Contractors and subcontractors are authorized to enter into agreements with their workers which allow them to work up to ten hours per day for four days a week.  The workers must approve any such agreement.  Employees who agree to work four ten-hour days a week will not be paid overtime for the two hours each day which exceed the regular eight-hour workday.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    47     0

      House 96   0 (House amended)

      Senate    42     0 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988