FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE —April 19, 2019

OLYMPIA – Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle) issued this statement today regarding the passage of House Bill 1155:

“I do not support eight-hour work days for nurses. I support the flexible work schedule choices nurses make through collective bargaining to suit what works best for them and their families as well as for their patients’ needs.

“I believe all frontline workers doing patient care deserve regular and consistent breaks. This is essential to patient safety and a matter of respect for a workforce that has historically been and continues to be predominantly women.

“What was before us on the Senate floor gutted the original bill. My vote on the amendment regarding eight-hour work days was procedural, and does not reflect my desire for the final outcome of the bill.

“I will not support the bill in its current form, but will push for a conference with the House of Representatives to resolve these issues.”