Many immigrants leave impoverished and war-torn countries to seek a better life here in the U.S., the land of opportunity. In recent years, however, industries seeking a workforce willing and able to fill blue-collar, low paying positions in factories and warehouses, have filled vacancies with immigrant and illegal workers who can’t afford to make demands. Big business achieves this in New Jersey through a vast network of temp agencies.

Statistics gathered by the United States Department of Labor indicate there are nearly three million temp workers employed in the country. Temp agencies set up near large immigrant population centers, which are sometimes referred to as Temp Towns.

Many of the Temp Towns that have sprung up throughout New Jersey generate reports of worker mistreatment, including:

• Low pay, or failure to pay — temp workers often are not told if they will work or how many hours they will work;
• Unsafe or unhealthy working conditions — inadequately heated or cooled, overcrowded or toxic working conditions and inadequate training in safety protocols;
• Long shifts and insufficient breaks – temp workers often are required to work long shifts, double shifts and are provided with insufficient breaks, which violates Federal and State employment law;
• Gender discrimination — different wages for men and women for the same job, and jobs described as only available to one gender.

Many temp workers suffer from illegal or unethical working conditions because they are not in a position to complain. Temp employment agencies take advantage of this fact, preying on undocumented or ill informed workers who are desperate for work.

The result is that the nation is recreating conditions reminiscent of the impoverished places the immigrants have fled. New Jersey is one of the few states on the eastern seaboard that does not require employers to E-Verify — match the social security number of the worker with other identification or birth records — thereby opening the door to ongoing exploitation of a vulnerable temp workforce.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission states that all workers, even those who are in the country illegally, have the right to file a complaint regarding illegal, dangerous, or discriminatory work practices. According to OSHA, at least three New Jersey temp workers have died on the job due to unsafe conditions and lack of training.

If you or someone you know has been treated unfairly at work, speak to the employment law attorneys for workers. At Hanan M. Isaacs, P.C., we are on your side. We are “compassionate counsel, tough advocates.” Call 609-683-7400 or contact us online to schedule a near-term initial consultation at a reduced fee.  We are conveniently located in Kingston, in Central Jersey.  We will listen to your facts, explain the law, and recommend a pathway to social and economic justice.  Call today. You will be glad you did.