SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6568

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development & Labor (originally sponsored by Senator McCaslin)

Requiring minimum payment to employees for reporting to work.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 25, 1988; February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6568 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:David Cheal (786-7576)

                  February 5, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 15, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Employees who work irregular hours on an "on call" basis are frequently required to report to work only to be told that the level of business does not require their presence after all.  This is particularly true in the fast food industry, although some companies have a policy of compensating employees in this situation.

SUMMARY:

In each instance that an employee is required to report for work but is not actually put to work for at least half of his or her usual schedule, the employee must be paid for half of the usual schedule, with a two hour minimum and a four hour maximum.  Payment must be at the employee's regular rate of pay.  If an employee is required to report a second time in any one work day, the employee must be paid for at least two hours at the regular rate of pay for the second appearance.

Exceptions are provided when an employee is unable to operate due to threats to employees or property or when civil authorities recommend that the business be closed.  Other exceptions are when public utilities fail or interruption of work is caused by a natural disaster or other cause not within the employer's control.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator McCaslin (for)