Requires employers to provide each employee of a warehouse distribution center, upon hire, with written description of quotas applicable to the employee within defined time periods and adverse employment action for failure to meet the quota.

Plain-English Summary: Rhode Island Warehouse Worker Protection Act

This bill would require businesses that operate warehouse distribution centers in Rhode Island to give new employees a written document explaining any work quotas they are expected to meet. A "quota" in this context means a specific amount of work a worker must complete within a set period of time — for example, how many packages must be packed or shipped per hour or per shift. The written notice would also need to explain what consequences an employee could face — such as being disciplined or fired — if they fail to meet those quotas.

The bill is primarily designed to protect workers at large warehouses and distribution facilities, which are often fast-paced environments where employees may be tracked and evaluated based on their productivity numbers. By requiring this information to be provided in writing at the time of hiring, the bill aims to ensure workers know upfront what is expected of them and what is at stake if they fall short — rather than learning about these standards only after facing punishment.

Currently, this bill has been referred to the House Labor Committee, which recommended it be held for further study, meaning it has not yet moved forward to a full vote. If eventually passed into law, it would place new transparency obligations on warehouse employers while giving workers clearer information to make informed decisions about their employment. Employers who fail to comply could potentially face legal consequences, though specific penalties would depend on the final language of the bill.