Washington state WHL fans call to action
For the most part, if you are reading this blog, you are a fan of the Seattle Thunderbirds, the US Division and/or the WHL. If you are a Washington state resident, this is your opportunity to give your input on what may determine the future of the WHL in this state. Whether you think the players of the WHL should be considered employees and paid minimum wage or not, the democratic process allows your voices to be heard. And the only way the process works is if people exercise it. So I’m calling on all the Everett, Seattle, Spokane and Tri-City fans to have their say and let the legislature know how you feel about the issue.
House Bill 1930
The digest version of the bill:
HB 1930 – Excludes athletes who play in an amateur sports league,club, or association from the definition of “employee,” for purposes of industrial welfare provisions, the Washington industrial safety and health act, and the minimum wage act.
You can read the full text of the proposed bill here
Once you’ve read that, add your comments to that bill here
Senate Bill 5893
The digest version of the bill:
SB 5893 – Excludes athletes who play in an amateur sports league,club, or association from the definition of “employee,” for purposes of industrial welfare provisions, the Washington industrial safety and health act, and the minimum wage act.
You can read the full text of the proposed bill here
Once you’ve read that, add your comments to that bill here
Again, it doesn’t matter which side you are on, just that you are involved. Please comment on both bills and share this post with those you know that also want to comment.
Thanks for the heads up. This is a very interesting issue that highlights the ongoing issues with “amateur” young athletes and the entities that do profit from their work. (be it college, team, or community.) Myself, I am still torn amongst these issues. I want to keep the WHL in Washington but I don’t want to do it that might improperly exploit some genuinely excellent young men.
I got to watch the House Labor Committee public comments and not much happened except that not having the bill’s protection would possibly cause the “reevaluation” of the business terms of all the WHL teams in Washington. You can see Farwell and friends online – ( http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2015021086#start=3701&stop=4560 )
No questions from the committee. No appearances from anyone against the bill.
I’m still mulling this over in my mind.
Oh, Tidbits – Thanks for the heads up on the bill and debate. It important that we stay informed on these things.
Thanks for the comment.
I agree that being informed is important. This is an issue where both sides have an argument and each fan is going to have a different reason why they fall on one side or the other. I know I certainly have my thoughts but I think it’s key for people to come to their own conclusions. But, once they’ve done that, exercising their civic ability to make their opinions known and help shape legislation. Information and involvement, some things that we often take for granted.