For the third month in a row, an intense advocacy effort caused another postponement of a vote by the New Jersey State Senate on A 1474, ending any chance of passage this year. The effort was led by ASA; the New Jersey Staffing Alliance, an ASA-affiliated chapter; and their member staffing agencies.

The bill, which applies to construction, light industrial, and other workers—but not professional or clerical workers—would, among other things

• Mandate temporary employee wages and benefits equivalent to those received by client employees performing similar work
• Limit conversion fees
• Prohibit agencies from charging a fee for providing transportation

ASA and NJSA engaged in an extensive grassroots campaign throughout the year, explaining to senators why the bill is bad for workers and the staffing industry. The associations will continue to work with senators and the governor’s office on a compromise bill that will protect workers without harming significant segments of the New Jersey staffing business.

The next opportunity for the senate to take up A 1474 will be next year, on Feb. 2.