What to Know About New Jersey’s New Pay Transparency Law for Temporary Workers

The New Jersey Temporary Workers Bill of Rights (TWBR) was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in February of 2023. On August 5th, the TWBR officially took effect. The law is designed, in large part, to equalize the pay between temporary workers (temps) and full-time employees. At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, we protect the rights of workers, including temporary employees. Here, our New Jersey employment law attorney highlights the key things to know about our state’s Temporary Workers Bill of Rights (TWBR).

 Four Things Employees Should Know About the Temporary Workers Bill of Rights (TWBR) 

1. Temporary Workers Paid Same Average Rate of Pay/Cost of Benefits of Direct Workers 

The Temporary Workers Bill of Rights (TWBR) in New Jersey has ushered in a new era of employment rights for temporary workers. It is among the most comprehensive laws of its kind in the entire country. At the core of this bill is the provision that mandates temporary workers receive the same average rate of pay as their direct hire counterparts. The provision acknowledges the essential value that temporary workers bring to the state’s economy and aims to narrow the wage gap that often exists between temps and permanent employees. Notably, the provision not only addresses the base wage but also extends to the cost of benefits.

2. Temp Agencies Cannot Restrict Rights of Workers to Seek Permanent Employment 

Many temp agencies have historically included clauses in contracts which limit or even prohibit temporary workers from seeking and securing permanent positions at companies where they have been placed. TWBR boldly addresses this by making such clauses void and unenforceable. As a result, temp workers are now free to pursue permanent employment opportunities without the fear of contractual penalties or other legal repercussions. 

3. TWBR Applies All New Jersey Residents Working With New Jersey Temp Firms 

The applicability of the TWBR is broad, covering all New Jersey residents who are working through New Jersey-based temporary staffing firms. If a New Jersey staffing agency uses a worker from another state at a New Jersey-based location of employment, that worker is covered by the TWBR. If a New Jersey staffing agency used a New Jersey resident at an out-of-state workplace, that worker is also covered by the TWBR. 

4. The Law is in Full Effect in New Jersey (August 5th, 2023) 

As of August 5th, 2023, the “Temporary Workers Bill of Rights” is in full effect throughout New Jersey. This means that from this date forward, all temp agencies and businesses employing temporary workers through these agencies must be in full compliance with the law.

 Set Up a Confidential Consultation With Our New Jersey Employment Lawyer Today

At Poulos LoPiccolo PC, our New Jersey employment attorneys are professional, experienced, and effective advocates for workers. If you have any specific questions or concerns about our state’s new pay transparency law for temporary workers, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a fully private consultation. We fight for the rights of workers in Monmouth County and across the state.

Source:

nj.gov/labor/worker-protections/myworkrights/temporaryworkers.shtml