Temporary workers

Understand the rights of temporary workers (or "temp" workers).

Temporary workers who work for temporary or staffing agencies are protected by the same laws as other workers.  There are also specific, additional protections set out in the Temporary Workers Right to Know Law.  Staffing agencies are required to post a notice about this law.   For more information, contact the Department of Labor Standards (DLS) at [phone].

Temp workers have the right to information

Temporary and staffing agencies must give their workers certain important information in writing before each new assignment. This written information, called a “job order,” must include, among other things:

• the name, address, and phone number of the staffing agency
• the name, address, and phone number of the agency's workers’ compensation insurance carrier
• the name, address, and phone number of the company where the employee will be working
• the job the employee will be doing
• work hours and pay 

Sample job order forms are available on the DLS website.

Some charges are not allowed

Staffing agencies cannot charge workers for:

• registering with the agency
• getting work assignments
• drug tests
• CORI (criminal background) checks
• debit cards or other means of payment
• transportation that the employer requires the worker to use
• transportation costs that are more than 3% of daily wages

Other protections

The law also protects temporary workers from coercion, fraud, retaliation, and some other forms of unfair treatment.

Additional Resources

Find more information about deductions from pay

Temporary Workers Right to Know Law (M.G.L. c. 149, sec. 159C)

Employment Agency and Temporary Workers regulations (454 CMR 24.00 et seq.)