#United States #Teamsters #Trenton #Assembly Bill 5022 #worker protection

New Jersey Teamsters Demand Protection for Workers in Extreme Weather

Introduction

In an ongoing effort to enhance working conditions across New Jersey, the Teamsters union is making significant strides by advocating for the passage of Assembly Bill 5022 (A5022). This important piece of legislation seeks to establish essential safety measures aimed at safeguarding workers from various extreme weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.

The Need for Legislative Action

On February 25, 2025, Teamsters represented by Al Rispoli, President of Teamsters Joint Council 73, publicly emphasized the necessity of A5022. This bill would require employers to provide vital protections such as hydration, air conditioning, warmth, and shade to ensure that all workers can perform their jobs safely, regardless of the weather.

"We've fought for, won, and are currently enforcing these very same protections in our national contracts," Rispoli stated. He further highlighted, "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."

Broader Advocacy and Legislative Efforts

The advocacy for A5022 is part of a larger movement led by the Teamsters, which is simultaneously pushing for similar legislation in other states, including Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. States like California, Minnesota, and Oregon have already established regulations that protect workers from extreme temperatures, demonstrating a growing recognition of the issue on a national scale.

Gerry Cortez, a steward with Teamsters Local 177 and a UPS driver, articulated the urgency of these protections during a recent testimony to the Assembly Labor Committee. He shared a compelling message urging the need for equitable treatment of workers, stating, "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. 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."

The Impact of Weather on Worker Safety

In today's climate, as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, the risks to outdoor workers have never been more pronounced. The data revealing the correlation between extreme temperatures and health risks is compelling. Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and other serious health issues; similarly, exposure to cold can result in hypothermia and frostbite. Therefore, the passage of A5022 could play a critical role in protecting the health and safety of workers across various industries in New Jersey.

Conclusion

As the Teamsters union continues its push for these vital legislative reforms, it is clear that the stakes are high. The potential impact of A5022 is profound, not only for the workers it aims to protect but for the broader workforce and community dynamics in New Jersey. By advocating for these protections, the Teamsters are paving the way for a safer and more equitable work environment, where every worker has the right to perform their duties without risking their health due to environmental dangers. As the debate unfolds in Trenton, the eyes of the workforce remain firmly on the outcome, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes worker safety above all else.

For further details on this important initiative, visit teamstersjc73.org.