New rights for temporary workers under new law

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - Rights have been expanded for thousands of temporary workers in Massachusetts, following the enactment of a law signed by Governor Deval Patrick last year.

The new law, signed in August, provides temporary workers a basic bill of rights. The legislation is designed to protect the estimated 100,000 temporary workers in the state from potential exploitation.

Under the new law, temp agencies will need to provide temporary workers with information like wage details, the number of hours they are expected to work, and even the name of the employer. 

Scott Kenfield of Northampton's Masiello Employment Services says that these conditions already are industry standards, adding that the new legislation will weed-out those agencies that intentionally conceal this type of information.

“We're already doing this stuff, and it really keeps the bad actors at bay, and it gives an opportunity for temporary workers to seek redress in the courts,” Kenfield said.

The bill also prevents agencies from charging job candidates a fee to register with an employment service.