Union Demands Protections from Extreme Weather for all Workers

(TRENTON, N.J.) – Teamsters are demanding New Jersey lawmakers pass Assembly Bill 5022 (A5022). The legislation would require employers to safeguard workers from the hazards of extreme weather conditions by providing access to hydration, air conditioning, warmth or shade, and other protections from the elements.

“We’ve fought for, won, and are currently enforcing these very same protections in our national contracts,” said Al Rispoli, President of Teamsters Joint Council 73. “With this legislation, we’re bringing the fight to Trenton to ensure every worker in the state has similar safeguards. Escalating temperatures pose an undeniable risk to anyone who works outside for an extended period of time. Strong safety measures are essential.”

Teamsters are advocating for similar legislation in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. Regulations are already in place in California, Minnesota, and Oregon to protect workers from extreme temperatures.

“Amazon drivers do the same work as me, but they don’t yet have a union contract to back them up when they are suffering from heat exhaustion and a manager is telling them to hurry,” said Gerry Cortez, a Teamsters Local 177 shop steward and UPS driver who testified to members of the Assembly Labor Committee. “No worker should have to choose between their job and going home safely to their family. If irresponsible employers are allowed to profit by putting their workers at risk of illness and even death, it creates a race to the bottom where we will all lose.”

Teamsters Joint Council 73 represents over 55,000 workers throughout New Jersey. For more information, go to teamstersjc73.org/.

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