Georgia lawmakers file warehouse worker protection bill

Georgia lawmakers are considering a bill that aims to protect warehouse and distribution center workers.

H.B. 16, introduced Monday, would require employers of warehouse operations or distribution centers to provide workers written descriptions of any quota or workplace surveillance measures, addressing requirements around wearable technology and sensors used to track workers. The bill would also prohibit unlawful quotas and limit the collection and use of employee work-speed data, and would call for required rest periods, complaints processes, and rights to records.

In addressing quotas, the bill states that the employer shall not require a covered employee to meet a quota that prevents: compliance with any meal breaks, rest periods, or other breaks required by federal, state, or local law; compliance with health and safety provisions in federal, state, or local law; the use of bathroom facilities, including reasonable travel time to and from bathroom facilities; or compliance with a covered employee’s right to reasonable accommodations or nondiscrimination as required by federal, state, or local law.

The bill also prohibits quotas that are based solely on rankings of employees.

The bill includes antiretaliatory measures that include a rebuttable presumption that an employee was retaliated against if he or she faces adverse actions following the filing of a complaint.

The bill also addresses protocols for state investigations, including rights to workplace records.