For too long, healthcare workers in Washington State have been undervalued, overworked, and left without the protections we need—especially when it comes to standby time. I’m calling for a new labor law that guarantees standby pay for healthcare workers who are required to remain on-site for the benefit of their employer.

My name is Skyla, and I’ve dedicated nearly 9 years of my life to serving others in the healthcare field. I’ve worked long hours, sacrificed holidays and weekends, and poured thousands of hours into caring for people who depend on us. Like many others, I’ve endured physical and emotional abuse from residents and clients. I’ve been taken advantage of by employers who demand we be available—but refuse to pay us for it.

Recently, I was forced to remain on-site during my shifts without compensation—because the facility “might” need me. That wasn’t my time anymore. That was theirs. But I received nothing for it. And when I looked into my rights, I found out I had none in this situation. The law doesn’t protect us.

Healthcare workers are burning out. We are leaving the field in record numbers, not because we lack compassion, but because the system continues to take from us without giving back. If we’re expected to be on company property and ready to work at any moment, we deserve to be compensated. Period.

Compensation Disparities: The average healthcare worker salary in Washington is approximately $33,161, with many earning between $30,837 and $36,771 . Despite the demanding nature of our work, compensation often does not reflect the responsibilities and sacrifices involved.

 • Missed Breaks: Employers are now required to report missed meal and rest breaks quarterly. If more than 20% of these breaks are missed, the Department of Labor & Industries may offer technical assistance to the employer . This highlights the systemic issue of healthcare workers missing essential rest periods.

Burnout and Turnover: A 2023 poll revealed that 79% of healthcare workers in Washington feel somewhat or very burned out, and nearly half (49%) plan to leave the profession in the coming years due to factors like short staffing and lack of support 

 • Legal Precedents: In 2024, a Washington healthcare company was ordered to pay nearly $100 million to workers for missed meal breaks and unpaid time, underscoring the severity of labor violations in the industry .

I’m asking Washington lawmakers to sponsor and pass a bill that mandates automatic standby pay for all healthcare workers required to remain on-site. This change would be a small step toward respecting our time, our labor, and our humanity.

Please sign and share this petition to support this vital effort. Let’s make sure no healthcare worker is ever expected to give their time for free again.

We care for others—it’s time the law cared for us.