Warehouse Employees’ Rights Under the New Law
The New York Warehouse Worker Protection Act (WPPA) went into effect on February 19, 2023. The purpose of the law is to protect warehouse workers against unreasonable work quotas. New requirements prevent employers from subjecting workers to unrealistic demands.
What size of companies does the law apply to?
The law applies to companies with 100 or more employees at a single warehouse distribution center. It also covers companies with 500 or more employees at one or more warehouse distribution centers.
How do written description of quotas protect workers?
Under the new law, your employer must provide you with written descriptions of your work quotas. The description should explain the quota. For example, your quota would include some or all of the following:
- Productivity speed
- A quantified amount of production within a defined time period
- Categorizing your time between performing tasks and not performing tasks
- Explanation given of how a performance failure could adversely affect your conditions of employment or your continued employment
What happens if your quota changes?
Your employer has two business days to notify you about the change. This includes providing a written updated description of each quota that applies to your work. If your employer takes any adverse action against you, he/she must provide the relevant quota that you failed to meet.
How does the new law relate to meal times or proper breaks?
It protects workers from disciplinary action or termination when the quota did not take into account proper breaks or meal times.
(Reference: JD Supra)
Do you have protection against retaliation under the new warehouse worker protection law?
Yes, you do. The law prohibits employers from retaliating against you for referring to the law. For example, if you complained because the quota did not take into account legitimate meal times and other breaks, the employer cannot retaliate against you by taking disciplinary actions or firing you based on your complaint.
Have you been treated unfairly in the workplace?
The Law Office of Peter A. Romero assists clients with employment law issues. Throughout NYC including Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx and Harlem/Upper Manhattan, clients turn to us for legal help. Call us at (631) 257-5588 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.