Budget debate: Senate Democrats fail to remove provision in budget that would allow 7-day work weeks

MADISON -- Senate Democrats have failed to remove a provision in the Wisconsin state budget that would allow workers to voluntarily agree to work seven-days a week without a day off.

Republicans on Tuesday voted down a Democratic attempt to remove the change from the two-year state budget. It had been added last week in the budget committee.

Under current state law, employers who own factories and retail stores must allow their workers at least 24 consecutive hours of rest in every seven consecutive days. The requirement doesn't apply to janitors, security guards, bakeries, restaurants, hotels and certain dairy and agricultural plants.

The Senate was to vote on passing the full budget later Tuesday night or early Wednesday. The Assembly planned to vote on it Wednesday night.