New Jersey governor signs law aimed at protecting temp workers

Trenton, NJ — A new law in New Jersey will provide temporary workers with additional rights and protections against unsafe working conditions.

Signed into law by Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on Feb. 6, the Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights includes provisions for personal protective equipment and training in temporary occupations, including food service, landscaping, construction and transportation. 

The law prohibits transportation of temporary workers in unsafe motor vehicles. Additionally, vehicles used to transport temporary workers must have a seat and safety belt for each passenger.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is tasked with enforcing the new law, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“Our temporary workers, regardless of their race or status, are key contributors to the workforce in our state,” Murphy said in the release. “Signing the Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights establishes necessary guidelines for temporary help service firms and third-party clients to ensure that these workers are afforded basic protections and treated with the dignity they deserve.”