N.Y. Legislature Approves Teamsters-Backed Warehouse Bill

The Facts -

• • New York State Legislature passed a legislation requiring warehouse operators to prioritize worker safety.

• • The Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act aims to address preventable injuries in warehouses.

• • Teamsters Union urgers Governor Hochul to sign the bill into law to offer stronger protection to warehouse workers.

Union Calls on Governor Hochul to Endorse Safety Bill for Warehouse Workers

The New York State Legislature has passed a new piece of legislation, supported by the New York State Conference of Teamsters, mandating that Amazon and comparable warehouse operators build their facilities with a focus on worker safety. The Teamsters along with the New Yorkers for a Fair Economy coalition are appealing to Governor Kathy Hochul to approve the bill into law.

“The Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act places New York at the forefront in addressing the Amazon injury crisis,” stated Thomas Quackenbush, President of Teamsters Joint Council 18. “Workers are enduring unnecessary injuries as companies like Amazon prioritize profits over safety. This Act will demand firms to amend their warehouse design and operations to prioritize workers.”

Jeff Brylski, President of Teamsters Joint Council 46, noted that “New York holds the highest warehouse injury rates nationwide, not including the unreported injuries. Workers at Amazon and other sizable warehouse companies are often advised to continue working with pain relief, instead of seeing a doctor. The Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act will ensure workers can seek medical professionals and work safely.”

Thomas Gesualdi, President of Teamsters Joint Council 16, thanked Senator Ramos, Assemblymember Bronson, and legislative leaders for steering the groundbreaking bill through legislative procedures. “Warehouse workers came together to demand strong industry protections and now it's on the brink of becoming law. We urge Governor Hochul to recognize this crisis and promptly sign the Warehouse Worker Injury Reduction Act into law,” he said.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more info.

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