Labor Movement, Warehouse Workers Celebrate Passage of Warehouse Workers Protection Act

(Los Angeles, CA) Today marks a historic victory for the Los Angeles Labor Movement and warehouse workers across California as Gov. Newsom signed into law the Warehouse Workers Protection Act, AB 701, which will create transparency around debilitating work quotas from giant corporations, such as Amazon and Walmart.

Authored by CA Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (AD 80), the Warehouse Workers Protection Act will protect frontline warehouse workers by requiring employers to disclose quotas and work speed standards to workers and state enforcement agencies. It would also prohibit employers from penalizing workers for time spent complying with health and safety laws.

The campaign to pass the bill was anchored by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, in collaboration with workers advocacy groups including Teamsters Local 396 and the Warehouse Workers Resource Center.

“The passage of the Warehouse Workers Protection Act is a victory for the warehouse workers in California who have continued to keep our communities running throughout the pandemic,” said Ron Herrera, President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. “It is a victory for every worker who spoke up, called their representative, or joined one of our actions. We are proud to say that this historic policy is the first of its kind in the nation and, thanks to the valiant efforts of Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez, begins to set the standard for algorithmic work.

Only a few days ago, the workers of California stood with the Governor in defeating the recall effort and today, he stood with the over 250,000 warehouse workers across our great state. All workers deserve the dignity that comes with a safe workplace that is free of injury. Today, California stands firmly in its values where we can steadfastly say, ‘Work shouldn’t hurt!’”

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About Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO 

Since 1885, the LA Fed has been a force for progress. We are a federation of over 300 affiliated union and labor organizations representing more than 800,000 members, each with their own unique stories and backgrounds. We stand united in our mission to build a movement for justice committed to protecting the rights of working people and improving the lives of our families and communities.