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.

Rhode Island Warehouse Worker Protection Act – Plain English Summary

This bill would require employers who operate warehouse distribution centers in Rhode Island to give new employees a written description of any work quotas they are expected to meet. Specifically, when a worker is hired, they must receive a document that clearly explains what performance targets apply to them, the timeframes in which those targets must be met, and what consequences — such as discipline or termination — could result from failing to meet those quotas. The goal is to make sure workers understand the specific expectations of their job from the very beginning of their employment.

This bill primarily affects workers in large warehouse and distribution facilities — the kinds of operations often associated with e-commerce, shipping, and logistics companies. These workers are frequently expected to meet productivity targets, such as the number of packages processed or items picked per hour. Under current law, there is no requirement that these expectations be spelled out in writing at the time of hiring, which can leave workers unaware of exactly what is required of them or what is at stake if they fall short.

Currently, this bill is in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been referred to the Senate Labor and Gaming Committee, where it has been scheduled for a hearing and recommended to be held for further study, meaning lawmakers are still reviewing it before deciding whether to advance it. No final action has been taken.