Resolution filed to urge Mississippi to adopt a Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights

• State Rep. Rickey Thompson says temporary work is often unregulated, “resulting in widespread abuse, including unreasonably long term job assignments without benefits.”

State Rep. Rickey Thompson (D) has introduced a resolution in the Mississippi House of Representatives to “urge the State of Mississippi” to adopt a Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights.

Thompson’s resolution, HR 152, says temporary work is often unregulated, “resulting in widespread abuse, including unreasonably long term job assignments without benefits or equal opportunities for fair and gainful employment.”

He wants companies and temporary agencies to recognize that paying temporary workers “a living wage,” while ensuring such workers receive basic employment and work information would be a benefit to the state.

Thompson’s resolution seeks to prohibit temporary staffing agencies from charging
temporary workers for performing background checks and drug tests and restricting the use of forced arbitration agreements and non-compete agreements.

In addition, Thompson states that prohibiting temporary work assignments from exceeding a period of 90 days would benefit the state, noting that after the 90 days, the temporary employee is to be offered full-time permanent employment with benefits.

The resolution goes to urge companies to, among other provisions:

• Ensure temporary workers receive the same basic safety training as other employees.
• Limit the use of conversion fees.
• Address discrimination in the temporary staffing agency industry.
• Require temporary staffing agencies to publish critical data of each agency’s employment practices.

Thompson’s resolution has been referred to the House Rules Committee for consideration. Sources at the Capitol tell Magnolia Tribune it is unlikely to move out of committee and on to the floor.