SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5586

BYSenators Lee, Tanner, West and Bauer; by request of Department of Labor and Industries

Eliminating provisions relating to hours of labor.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 25, 1988; January 26, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5586 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Cantu, Conner, Deccio, McMullen, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Bill Lynch (786-7427)

                  January 26, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, JANUARY 26, 1988

BACKGROUND:

All workers who work on state or local road, bridge or building projects are limited to an eight-hour work day.  The eight-hour limitation 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:

The statutes which pertain to an eight-hour work day for work done on state or local contracts on roads, bridges or buildings are repealed.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

The repealers of the statutes pertaining to the eight-hour work day on public works contracts are deleted.

Contractors and subcontractors are authorized to enter into agreements with their workers which allow workers to work up to ten hours per day for four days a week.  The workers must approve any such agreement.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Bob Dilger, Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council; Duke Schaub, Associated General Contractors; Kate Meidling, Associated Builders and Contractors