Teamsters Union slams Gov. Pritzker for vetoing Warehouse Worker Protection Act

The Teamsters Union is condemning Gov. JB Pritzker for vetoing House Bill 2547, the Illinois Warehouse Worker Protection Act (WWPA). The bipartisan legislation, which passed through the statehouse with overwhelming support, would have prevented companies like Amazon from abusing the workforce by regulating the use and disclosure of warehouse quotas.

“We are deeply disappointed that the governor has vetoed the Warehouse Worker Protection Act. In doing so, he has abandoned the very people who give their all every day, working under inhumane production quotas that are not only unacceptable but also dangerous,” said Thomas W. Stiede, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. “Having been a warehouse worker, I’m deeply familiar with the harsh and inhumane conditions in this industry, and I know firsthand why this bill is necessary. It’s unfortunate that our Governor doesn’t have those same experiences or sympathies. Warehouse workers, including those at Amazon, are simply trying to provide for their families honestly and safely, and the Illinois governor has turned his back on them.”

California, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Washington have already passed their own versions of the WWPA, and a similar measure at the federal level has bipartisan support.

“The Warehouse Worker Protection Act is the most commonsense, effective solution to the rampant abuse of warehouse workers by greedy and dangerous companies like Amazon,” said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. “The Teamsters will never stop fighting for it, both federally and in state houses across the country. In light of the governor’s reckless act, Illinois clearly needs stronger leadership that has the backbone and compassion to put hardworking families first.”