Rhode Island Senate Bill S1058

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/9/25
• Refer: 5/9/25
• Report Pass: 5/28/25

Caption

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.

Impact

If passed, S1058 would amend Title 28 of the General Laws concerning labor relations in Rhode Island. The bill specifically addresses the rights of nonexempt employees at warehouse distribution centers, setting standards for how employers communicate performance expectations. By formally requiring quota disclosures, the legislation aims to prevent misunderstandings about job requirements and mitigate undue pressure on warehouse workers, thus supporting their rights and promoting fair labor practices.

Summary

S1058, known as the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, seeks to enhance protections for employees working within warehouse distribution centers. The bill mandates that employers provide a written description of any production quotas that employees must meet upon hiring. This written documentation must detail the specific number of tasks or materials to be handled and any potential adverse actions that may occur for failing to meet these quotas. The goal of this legislation is to promote transparency between employers and employees regarding performance expectations and related consequences.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding this bill primarily related to the logistics of quota implementations and the burden on employers. Critics could argue that mandatory disclosures may limit flexibility and operational efficiency within warehouses. Additionally, the provision that protects employees against adverse employment actions related to quota compliance may lead to disputes over what constitutes an unreasonable quota, thus raising concerns about the balance between operational demands and worker protections. The discussion will likely encompass a range of stakeholder perspectives from workers' rights advocates to business owners, each presenting their case regarding the implications of these regulations.