New Provisions of the Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights in Effect Across New Jersey

As of August 5, additional provisions of the Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights are fully in effect, expanding protections and benefits for temporary laborers across various occupational categories.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) announced that the remaining provisions of the Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights (P.L. 2023, chapter 10) came into effect on August 5. These new measures add to the portions of the law that were implemented in May, enhancing the rights, wages, and protections for temporary laborers throughout New Jersey.

Signed into law by Governor Murphy in February, the Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights has been structured to allow for increased oversight of temporary help service firms and third-party clients by both NJDOL and the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) within the Department of Law and Public Safety.

The provisions now in effect cover the following key areas:

• Record Keeping: Temporary help service firms must maintain records of work assignments for six years.
• Transportation to Worksite: The law details rules on the cost, safety, records, and liability of transportation services provided to temporary laborers.
• Wages: Temporary laborers must receive wages and benefits comparable to those of regular employees performing similar work.
• Payments: Options for bi-weekly payments, various payment methods, and protections against check cashing fees and other charges are now outlined.
• Itemized Pay Statements: Firms must provide detailed statements to laborers, including information on clients, hours, rate of pay, total earnings, and deductions.
• Work Verification Forms: Third-party clients are required to provide temporary laborers with a work verification form.
• Acceptance of Permanent Position: Restrictions are lifted on temporary laborers accepting permanent positions, but placement fees may be charged to clients.
• Private Right of Action: Laborers may now bring civil actions to Superior Court for violations of their rights.

These provisions join the ones implemented on May 7, which included mandatory notifications like the “Assignment Notification” form and details related to work schedules, labor disputes, and the rights of temporary laborers.

The Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights specifically applies to workers in diverse sectors, such as food preparation, production, personal care, construction, transportation, building maintenance, protective services, and installation and repair.

Violations of the law may result in monetary penalties. Temporary laborers feeling that their rights have been violated can file complaints through NJDOL’s Wage and Hour Division online, by mail, or via fax.

The full implementation of the Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights signifies a significant step in the state's efforts to protect and empower temporary laborers. The detailed provisions ensure transparency, fairness, and safety, reflecting New Jersey's commitment to workers' rights.

For further information about the law, including all benefits and protections for temporary laborers, residents can visit nj.gov/labor/tempworkers.