Expanded Rights and Protections for Temporary Workers in New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey has signed into law the Temporary Workers' Bill of Rights, also known as A1474/S511, which expands the rights and protections available to temporary workers. The bill was approved by the Legislature after the Governor made recommended changes last September.

Under the bill: 

• The Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Division of Consumer Affairs will have increased oversight of temporary help service firms and third-party clients under the new bill. 
• The Division of Consumer Affairs will be responsible for overseeing enhanced certification requirements for temporary help service firms and contracting with uncertified firms will be prohibited for third-party clients. 
• The Department of Labor and Workforce Development will handle enforcement actions.
• In an effort to ensure pay equity, temporary workers will be entitled to the same average rate of pay and benefits as permanent employees doing the same or similar work for the third-party client. 
• Temporary help service firms must also provide bi-weekly paychecks and cannot charge fees for transport or make deductions from pay that would reduce the worker's pay below minimum wage. 
• Temporary workers will also be provided with information about key employment terms in their primary language.
• The bill also prohibits temporary help service firms from preventing employees from accepting another position with a permanent employer or third-party client, and from retaliating against workers who exercise their legal rights.

Senator Joseph Cryan and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez were the prime sponsors of the legislation.

"The most valuable step you can take towards protecting your rights at work is knowing what they are." - Phil H, Morristown Minute Reader and resident of Morristown, NJ for 60 years.

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