The proposed bill introduces the "Warehouse Worker Protection Act" as a new chapter in Title 28 of the General Laws, aimed at enhancing the rights and protections of warehouse workers. It defines key terms such as "employee," "employer," "quota," and "warehouse distribution center," establishing a framework for how quotas are to be disclosed and managed. Employers are required to provide written descriptions of quotas to employees upon hiring, detailing the tasks to be performed and any potential adverse actions for failing to meet these quotas. Additionally, the bill stipulates that employees cannot be required to meet quotas that interfere with their meal and rest periods or violate occupational health and safety laws.
The legislation also includes provisions for employees to request their own work speed data and aggregated data for comparable employees, reinforcing transparency in performance metrics. It establishes a rebuttable presumption of unlawful retaliation against employees who exercise their rights under this act, thereby protecting them from discrimination or adverse actions by employers. The act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage, ensuring that warehouse workers receive the necessary protections without delay.