New Jersey's "Temporary Workers' Bill of Rights" Now in Effect, Providing Enhanced Protections for Temp Workers

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has unveiled a new website detailing the "Temporary Workers' Bill of Rights," which went into effect in part on May 7, with the remainder set to go into effect on August 5.

The website offers resources for both employers and employees, outlining the law's provisions and offering guidance on compliance. It also provides information on wage and hour laws, misclassification, earned sick leave, and more, including the newly required Assignment Notification form.

Governor Murphy signed the "Temporary Workers' Bill of Rights" (P.L. 2023, chapter 10) into law in February, significantly expanding rights and protections for temporary laborers. The law also enables greater oversight of temporary help service firms and third-party clients by NJDOL and the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo expressed satisfaction with the strengthened worker protections, stating, "Under the Murphy Administration, New Jersey has strengthened and expanded its worker protections to be top-tier in the nation, and I'm glad that our temporary laborers covered under this law will get the respect and dignity they deserve."

Key provisions of the law include mandatory Assignment Notification forms for temporary laborers dispatched to work for third-party clients, detailing essential information such as the temporary help service firm and third-party client, job description, wages, and terms of transportation. Failure to provide this notification may result in a civil penalty of $500 to $1,000 per violation. The law also prohibits employer retaliation against temporary laborers for filing complaints or cooperating with investigations.

The "Temporary Workers' Bill of Rights" applies to temporary assignments in various occupational categories, such as food preparation, personal care, construction, transportation, and maintenance. As part of the law's multi-lingual outreach program, additional materials will be made available in New Jersey's most commonly spoken languages.

For more information on the law, upcoming provisions, and the benefits and protections available to temporary workers, visit nj.gov/labor/tempworkers.

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