Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2504

Introduced
2/6/26  

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

The proposed legislation would notably amend Title 28 of the General Laws pertaining to labor relations, thereby enhancing protections for warehouse workers. By ensuring that employees are informed of the quotas they need to meet, the bill seeks to hold employers accountable for clarifying performance expectations. Additionally, it enforces laws that prevent employers from imposing quotas that impede workers' rights to take necessary breaks for meals or bathroom use, thus promoting a safer and more humane working environment.

Summary

Bill S2504, known as the Warehouse Worker Protection Act, aims to establish specific rights for employees working in warehouse distribution centers. The bill mandates that upon hiring, employers must provide a written description of any quotas that employees are expected to meet, specifying the tasks required and the potential consequences for not fulfilling those quotas within set time periods. This initiative seeks to improve transparency regarding workplace expectations and to protect workers from undue pressure related to quotas that may lead to adverse employment actions.

Contention

Discussions surrounding S2504 have raised various points of contention, particularly among business advocates who may argue that such regulations could impose additional burdens on employers. Concerns have been voiced regarding the feasibility of enforcing quota disclosures and the potential impact on productivity. Conversely, labor rights advocates support the bill, viewing it as a critical step towards ensuring fair treatment of workers in the warehousing sector, where high-pressure environments prevail. The bill underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between operational efficiency and employee well-being.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5047

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.

RI S1058

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.

RI S0959

Protects bullying/psychological abuse in workplace inflicted upon employees by employers/co-employees/provides civil remedies to affected employees/fines against employers/imprisonment/fines against co-employees.

RI S0070

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

RI H5679

Requires employer, at the start of employment, furnish to their employees a written notice containing employment information relative to wages, rates of pay, allowances, benefits, deductions from pay, and identifying information relative to the employer.

RI H5944

Defines employees as individuals employed by a municipality or state covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, and would redefine an "employer" to those who employ fifteen (15) or more employees.

RI S0858

Defines employees as individuals employed by a municipality or state covered by a collective bargaining agreement or employment contract, and would redefine an "employer" to those who employ fifteen (15) or more employees.

RI H5943

Provides all employees of retail establishments with 15 or more employees engaged in work during Sundays or holidays shall receive from their employer no less than time and a half and shall be guaranteed at least a minimum of four (4) hours employment.

RI S0857

Provides all employees of retail establishments with 15 or more employees engaged in work during Sundays or holidays shall receive from their employer no less than time and a half and shall be guaranteed at least a minimum of four (4) hours employment.

RI H5678

Requires small employers with one to fifty (1-50) employees and large employers with fifty (50) or more employees to pay overtime wages to exempt workers if their salary exceeds varying multipliers of minimum wage for a forty (40) hour workweek.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.