FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Aubrey Newton Tel: (206) 348-2680 or [email protected]

Women in Construction Conquers Historic Legislation

HB 2266 historically passes to further protect women in the industry

Olympia, Wash. (March 6, 2024)- After many weeks of lobbying by the Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers, with other Building Trade Affiliates, and Signatory Contractors, HB 2266 a bill concerning sanitary conditions for construction workers who menstruate or express milk has passed through congress. The bill passed through both chambers of the Washington State Legislature on the evening of March 5. This bill, historic in its nature, will provide women in construction additional resources on the job such as safe places to breastfeed and breaks to breastfeed as well as access to hand-washing stations and menstrual products. According to Governor Jay Inslees’ recent e-newsletter on March 2, 2024, HB 2266, sponsored by Rep. Monica Stonier, would help by making the construction field a little more gender-inclusive. The bill prescribes slightly longer bathroom breaks so women can get through layers of clothing, defined and sanitary spaces for expressing milk, and other accommodations. Washington has one of the highest percentages of women construction workers in the nation.

“HB 2266 represents a transformative step towards fostering inclusivity and retention in the construction industry. Recognizing that jobsite culture is often a factor that drives workers away, this bill champions a paradigm shift towards a more accommodating environment for all. By implementing small, yet impactful changes such as providing access to bathrooms, on-site menstrual products at no cost to the worker, and breast pumping accommodations, we are empowering workers to be able to continue to invest in themselves and their careers, ensuring a stronger, more diverse workforce for generations to come.”

            Mallorie Davies, State Regulatory and Policy Coordinator Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers

With Local, State, and Federal legislation requirements increasing the amount of women and minority workers on construction projects, this legislation is a stepping stone to ensuring recruitment and retention of women in the industry.

            “This bill sets a precedent to remove barriers and improve sanitary conditions for women working in construction. Also, this legislation will ensure women interested in construction as a career path that they will be protected and have the necessary resources to work on a jobsite”

                     Stacy Martin, Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers

This legislation, which passed during Women in Construction Week, is the first in the nation to require menstrual products on construction sites. It also joins very few other states, like California, with similar legislation for women in construction. HB2266 passed the Senate with a 49-0 vote and final passage in the House with a 78-18 vote in favor of the bill. The bill now heads to the Governor’s office for signature.

The Washington and Northern Idaho District Council of Laborers are proud members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA). The District Council represents seven Local Unions across the state of Washington and Northern Idaho with over 12,000 active and retired members. For more information please visit: nwlaborers.org.

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