Washington lawmakers are considering whether to exempt amateur athletes from state labor laws.
The move comes as Washington’s four Western Hockey League teams remain under investigation for possible child labor violations.
The Seattle Thunderbirds, Everett Silvertips, Tri-City Americans and Spokane Chiefs play in the “top rung” of amateur hockey. The players are 16 to 20 year olds who don’t get paid, but they do get a stipend, free room and board and qualify for college scholarships.
Silvertips president Gary Gelinas urged a panel of lawmakers to adopt legislation that would exempt amateur athletes from the Minimum Wage Act and other workplace protection laws.
“This issue is so significant that it would negatively impact our ability to stay and operate in the state of Washington,” he said.
No one testified against the measure. Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries said its child labor investigation into the Western Hockey League remains open. There is no time frame for its completion.
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