WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Haley Stevens (D-MI), and Mike Lawler (R-NY), along with Senator Edward Markey, introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Warehouse Worker Protection Act. The bill aims to improve safety by requiring companies with large warehouses to disclose quotas to workers and prohibiting quotas that interfere with health and safety.

The Warehouse Worker Protection Act requires companies to provide written descriptions of quotas workers are subjected to, any disciplinary action that would result from failure to meet the quota, and the existence of any incentive or bonus program associated with each quota and how the quota is monitored. The bill also prohibits companies from establishing quotas that prevent a worker from complying with any meal or rest period or from using bathroom facilities.

“In 2022, three New Jersey warehouse workers tragically died on the job within weeks of each other, bringing attention to working conditions and injury rates in warehouses. Businesses can keep workers safe and earn a profit, but that’s only possible with more transparency and accountability,” said Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ). “As a former electrician, I know firsthand what it’s like to lose a coworker on the job. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act takes necessary steps to ensure everyone can come home from work safely.”

“Too often, the people powering our supply chains go unseen. Warehouse workers, including thousands across Michigan, are essential to keeping goods moving and our economy strong,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens (D-MI). “That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, a bill that prioritizes worker safety. It establishes fair limits on productivity demands and guarantees access to basic needs like meal and restroom breaks. This legislation is about honoring the hardworking people of Michigan, and beyond, who keep our communities and businesses running every day.”

“Injury and illness rates in warehouses remain unacceptably high. While progress has been made, far too many warehouse workers are still operating in conditions that are unsafe and unsustainable,” said Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY). “It’s time to bring greater transparency, accountability, and basic protections to the job site. I’ll continue working across the aisle on policies like the Warehouse Worker Protection Act to ensure our economy works for both employers and the hardworking Americans who keep it running.”

“Workers deserve to clock in knowing they will return home safe and healthy at the end of their shift. The Warehouse Worker Protection Act would protect the basic health and dignity of workers from corporate bosses who time and again have prioritized unfettered greed and profit over their own people,” said Senator Markey. “I am proudly in solidarity with nearly two million warehouse workers nationwide in the fight to ensure that their rights, safety, and dignity are protected.”

“Amazon and other abusive warehouse employers are squeezing their workers for every penny of profit, leaving behind tired and broken bodies,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. “These corporate criminals are destroying good jobs in an industry that once supported a strong middle class. But one thing stands in their way—that’s the Teamsters Union, along with a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who understand what’s at stake. It’s time to pass the Warehouse Worker Protection Act and put workers’ safety over corporate profits.”

The Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General audit found that injury and illness rates in warehouses are consistently high. The report found that in 2021, the injury and illness rate was 5.5 per 100 employees for warehouses, which is more than double the rate across all industries. A recent study also found that more than half of employees at Amazon and Walmart, two of America’s largest private companies, report that their production rate makes it hard for them to use the bathroom at least some of the time.

The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, the National Employment Law Project, the Athena Coalition, and Oxfam.

Bill text of the Warehouse Worker Protection Act can be found here. More information on the legislation can be found below:

Enforcement

The bill will establish a Fairness and Transparency Board within the Department of Labor to share resources and responsibilities through OSHA and Wage and Hour. It will be comprised of union and employer representatives, health experts, civil rights experts, workplace technology experts, and worker protection experts and will be charged with enforcing the guidance and rules laid out within the legislation.

Requirements with Respect to Warehouse Quotas

All workers hired will be given a written description of the following:

• Each quota the worker is subject to, any disciplinary action that could result from failure to meet each quota, how performance targets for each quota are calculated, the existence of any incentive or bonus program associated with each quota and how the quota is monitored. 
• Each employer will have to provide updates to these quota systems to each worker no later than 2 days after any change is made.
• Require workers be notified when employers take an adverse action against them for failing to meet any quota.
• Employers will have to provide a training and written description for how workers can file a complaint when quota rules are violated.
• An employer would not be able to take adverse action against a worker for violating any of the prohibited quotas listed above or for the completion of work based solely on the ranking and comparison with other workers. 
• Employers will be required to maintain work speed records for all workers, written description of all quotas and make them available to workers and the DOL upon request. Workers may request certain pieces of work data up to 3 years after employment has been ended.

Prohibited Quotas

Employers will not be able to establish quotas that would:

• Prevent a worker from complying with any meal or rest period.
• Prevent a worker from complying with any health or safety provision required by law.
• Prevent a worker from the use of bathroom facilities, including responsible time to travel to and from said facility. 
• Set a performance target that measures the output for a worker that is shorter than one workday.
• Include time for paid or unpaid breaks.
• Prevent a worker from exercising any right already guaranteed by a collectively bargained agreement.

First Aid Standard

• OSHA will be charged with establishing a proposed rule requiring all employers have trained individuals on site ready to administer first aid to workers to reduce delays in medical treatment for workers following injuries.

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