Senate introduces Warehouse Worker Protection Act

On May 2nd, Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Tina Smith (D-MN) announced the introduction of the Warehouse Worker Protection Act in the U.S. Senate. According to the sponsors, “the legislation aims to hold Amazon accountable for its unsafe practices and abusive production quotas.” The bill would require warehouse employers to disclose quotas, protect workers’ health and safety, and ensure injured workers have access to qualified outside doctors. It would also prevent companies from disciplining workers based solely on work speed relative to others.

This Warehouse Worker Protection Act would have far-reaching implications on industry. The bill would compel the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to implement costly and impractical rules, making it more challenging for businesses to operate. One particularly contentious provision is the mandate for an ergonomics standard, a move previously rejected by Congress in 2001 due to its complexity and lack of conclusive scientific evidence linking workplace injuries to specific activities.

GCCA has joined 60 trade associations and organizations in an opposition letter which was sent to Members of the House and Senate on May 2nd. The letter highlights the broad impact of the bill, negative consequences to the economy, and urges Congress to reject the legislation.