Day Laborer Fairness and Protection Act

The Day Laborer Fairness and Protection Act (H.R. 2755) was designed to establish federal labor standards and workplace protections specifically for individuals employed through day labor service agencies. The bill would require these agencies to pay day laborers the same wage rates as permanent employees performing equivalent work and mandates that agencies provide basic amenities such as clean water, seating, and restrooms in waiting areas. Additionally, the legislation would prohibit agencies from charging workers fees for cashing paychecks or for basic equipment, while ensuring that laborers are compensated for excessive waiting times and protected by health coverage for on-the-job injuries.

For the average citizen, this bill would mean that temporary manual laborers have legal recourse against wage theft and unsafe working conditions, while also preventing employers from using day laborers to undercut the wages of permanent staff. It would also remove barriers for these workers to transition into permanent positions by prohibiting agencies from restricting their ability to accept full-time job offers. Although the bill was introduced in 2001, it did not advance past the subcommittee stage and never became law.