State labor director resigning

Fri., Sept. 15, 2006

Associated Press The Spokesman-Review

OLYMPIA – Washington’s director of labor and industries, Gary Weeks, is leaving to become executive director of the Washington Health Care Association.

Weeks, who spent most of his long career in top state posts in Oregon, was recruited by Gov. Chris Gregoire last year to head the agency that manages the state program for injured workers, oversees workplace safety and health, and handles other workplace duties.

Gregoire and labor and business leaders praised his tenure.

“Gary has served the people of Washington well and I am grateful to him for all his work to help Washington businesses become more competitive in this global economy,” the governor said.

She commended Weeks for keeping workers’ compensation rates stable, noting that he recently proposed a 2 percent average reduction in premiums next year. She said Weeks worked hard to help small businesses.

His last day at L&I is Oct. 13. The health-care group, based in Olympia, is an association of 330 nursing homes and assisted living centers.

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