Crazy, Unfair Warehouse Quotas? Retaliation for Complaints?

Big box retailers and other businesses employing warehouse workers now have some relief from unscrupulous employers who create quotas that are inhumane. These quotas certainly benefit the employer, but are onerous to employees, leading to on-the-job injuries and general job dissatisfaction. There is now a law in place, California Assembly Bill 701, that is meant to level the playing field. AB 701 went into effect on January 1, 2022.

An employer MUST advise prospective and current employees of the quota system before hiring and be willing to explain what the quota means so prospective employees can determine on the job quality of life. This should enable employees to determine if the job meets their needs.

Please note, an employee cannot be required to meet a quota that prevents compliance with meal or rest periods, use of bathroom facilities (including reasonable travel time to and from bathrooms), or compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

Finally, if an employee complains about the quotas (usually meaning the employer is pushing employees to exceed the agreed-upon quota), the employer cannot retaliate by reducing an employees hours, rate of pay, hours, or terminate them.

If you have questions in this area please feel free to contact Christopher Taylor, Esq. at (626) 219-6008.