Bill > S4506

This bill exempts minor league baseball players from certain New Jersey state wage and hour laws when they are covered by a specific collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiated between Minor League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association. Specifically, the bill recognizes the March 29, 2023 nationwide CBA that provides minor league players with annual salaries, healthcare, housing, retirement benefits, meals, and tuition assistance. The legislation acknowledges that minor league athletic work has unique characteristics, including irregular hours and non-traditional training schedules, which make traditional state wage laws incompatible. Under this bill, minor league players will be exempt from New Jersey's State Wage and Hour Law and wage payment recordkeeping requirements while they are compensated under the collective bargaining agreement. Minor League Baseball and the Players Association are required to notify the Department of Labor and Workforce Development within one week of any termination or replacement of the CBA. The bill is designed to respect the union-negotiated agreement and support the continued operation of minor league teams that provide community and economic benefits to New Jersey. The exemption will remain in effect as long as a qualifying collective bargaining agreement is in place.

Labor and Employment

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S4506