Washington’s WHL teams seek labor-law exemption

Thu., Feb. 19, 2015

Derrick Nunnally Associated Press

OLYMPIA – While Washington’s four teams in the Western Hockey League are investigated for child labor practices, the state Legislature is considering a league request to exempt amateur athletes from state labor laws.

In a hearing before the Washington state Senate’s Commerce and Labor Committee Wednesday, officials from the state’s WHL teams and the league office said the Seattle Thunderbirds, Spokane Chiefs, Tri-City Americans and Everett Silvertips might have to leave or shut down if state law isn’t changed to consider amateur athletes non-employees.

The state’s Labor and Industry department has been investigating all four teams since a complaint was filed in 2013 over working conditions for their players, who range in age from 16 to 20 years old.

“If the bill is not passed, it could negatively impact our ability to operate and would force us to move or not operate in the state,” Silvertips general manager Garry Davidson told the Senate committee.

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Washington’s WHL teams seek labor-law exemption

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