Workers Fight for “Vomit Clause”

Tuesday, 22 March 2011 | by Pat's Picks

Washington state ferry workers are fighting to keep an important caveat in their contracts safe from budget-slashing lawmakers reports the Herald of Everett this morning: the “vomit clause.” The clause entitles any worker who has to clean up vomit to double pay. The unionized workers say they are only paid double when dealing with dangerous material and hazardous substances, and that yes, sometimes that includes “blood, feces and vomit.” The clause also covers bird droppings and has been a standard part of the union’s contracts since the 1960s. According to the paper, they are 21 situations on record, in which ferry workers can earn the penalty pay.