Murphy signs temp workers bill into law after long legislative process

Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights into law today, at last codifying protections and rights for temporary workers that took a lengthy and circuitous path through the legislative process

“Our temporary workers, regardless of their race or status, are key contributors to the workforce in our state,” Murphy said in a statement. “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.”

Murphy had conditionally vetoed an earlier version of the bill, requesting changes regarding when the law would be implemented and how it defined temporary workers. After Murphy’s veto, the bill passed the Assembly once again but got stuck in the Senate, where scheduled votes on the bill were unexpectedly canceled no fewer than three times.

Finally, last week, the bill came for a Senate vote and passed 21-16; with business groups staunchly opposed to the bill, Republicans largely voted no, but State Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Egg Harbor) provided the pivotal yes vote needed for passage.

State Sen. Joe Cryan (D-Union) and Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez (D-Perth Amboy), who were the champions of the bill in their respective chambers, said in statements that they were proud to have helped expand rights for an under-protected class of workers.

“In New Jersey, we respect all workers and we expect them to be treated fairly,” Cryan said. “This bill helps us achieve that goal.”