Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights could spell end for NJ’s agency industry

On February 6, 2023, Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 1474/S511, commonly referred to as the Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights.

The bill’s “equal-pay-equal-benefit” provision requires temporary workers to be paid at least the same average pay rate and equivalent benefits (or cash equivalent) as the third-party client’s permanent employees performing the same or similar work on jobs that require equal skill, effort, and responsibility.

The legislation applies to workers in designated classifications, including certain workers in protective service; food preparation and serving; building and grounds cleaning and maintenance; personal care and service; construction; production; and transportation.

Impact on temp agencies and employers hiring temps

In addition to the key provision setting equal pay protections for the covered categories of temporary workers, it further requires the following: