Justice for Warehouse Workers - Center on Policy Initiatives

SD Warehouse worker ordinance

Better pay, improved working conditions and safety for warehouse workers

All people should have dignity, safety and respect at work. People deserve jobs that don’t kill them. Jobs shouldn’t risk the health and safety of our families and community. Yet during the pandemic companies like Amazon put profits over people and asked workers to risk their lives so people like Jeff Bezos and corporate stockholders could get even richer.

But workers are fighting back across the country demanding respect, higher pay and safer working conditions. We have a chance to make sure San Diego workers are treated fairly.

Center on Policy Initiatives, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 542 and the Environmental Health Coalition have come together to fight these abusive conditions. We thank San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Fletcher and Vice Chair Vargas for working with us and championing a policy to ensure this growing industry does not exploit San Diego workers.

The warehouse industry is hurting san diegans

Half of all warehouse workers in San Diego County are paid $17.32 or less per hour, about $36,000 or less per year.

In 2017, warehouse workers experienced work-related injuries at nearly twice the rate of workers in private industries.

Warehouse workers are exposed to high levels of diesel fumes released in enclosed spaces and by trucks heading in and out of warehouse facilities.

what would the warehouse worker ordinance do?

Improve Wages & Job Quality

Set a minimum livable wage for all warehouse workers. (We're asking for a minimum of $25/hour.)

Provide reliable work schedules and 2 weeks notice of schedule.

Ensure at least a 10 hour rest period between shifts.

Pay any worker who exceeds the quota a premium rate (time and half or 1.5x of their standard rate).

Guarantee anti-retaliation protections to protect workers who stand up for their rights.

Provide the Office of Labor Standards & Enforcement the ability to enforce the labor standards covered in the ordinance and give workers a safe place to report workplace violations.

Create Stable Jobs

Prioritize local workers by guaranteeing that at least 40% of the jobs go to local residents that live near the business.

Protect and promote full-time employment opportunities by limiting use of temp agencies.

Ensure workers keep their jobs if a company changes ownership or leadership. The new employer must retain current employees before hiring others.

Increase Health & Safety

Provide protections against excessive indoor heat.

Monitor and report indoor air quality to the County on a monthly basis.

Use zero emissions vehicles inside warehouse facilities.

Build or add rooftop solar on all warehouse facilities.

Provide EV charging stations at all warehouse facilities to sufficiently charge all on-site yard trucks and all delivery vehicles owned by the warehouse operator that transport goods to or from the facility.

Use California state-certified general electricians with certification from the Electrical Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program to install and maintain EV charging stations.

STOP THE ABUSE OF WAREHOUSE WORKERS PANEL

On September 12 the Center on Policy Initiatives co-hosted a panel discussion about the Warehouse Worker Policy with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Teamsters Local 542, UFCW Local 135, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council and San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nathan Fletcher and Vice Chair Nora Vargas.

Learn about the what’s happening in the warehouse industry and why we need a policy that improves pay, working conditions and the health and safety of warehouse workers and our communities.

what are warehouse workers saying?

It was over 80 degrees inside the building constantly. No fans or air conditioning, 5 floors all without proper ventilation in the fulfillment center.

- Armando, Former Amazon Worker

The way companies utilize temps is an issue. Some of the temp guys would say I’m not getting paid what you’re getting paid. Someone is taking advantage of him and taking advantage of his labor. Calling this broker to get this guy to work for you, and he’s not getting paid what he’s worth. Two people are taking advantage of you.

- Gregory, Warehouse Worker