For the last year, the state Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) has been working to revise its administrative policy on rest breaks for all non-exempt employees. WSHA, as well as the business community at large, opposes the latest draft policy that essentially eliminates the ability to interrupt a rest break. The draft policy also introduces new confusing obligations for an employer to provide rest breaks.
Intermittent rest breaks has long been a standard in our state, and attempts to prohibit this standard for nurses has failed in the legislature for nearly a decade. WSHA has been deeply engaged in the process with L&I to date, and will again express our concerns about the latest draft. By Friday, we will also share our comment letter with hospital members. We strongly encourage them to weigh in directly with the department. (Chelene Whiteaker)
