New Jersey Changes Workplace Laws For Minor League Baseball Players

A recent labor agreement involving Minor League Baseball has created a ripple effect in New Jersey.

On Thursday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law that exempts minor league baseball players from the state’s wage and hour laws. There is one big string attached, however: the players must be employed under a collective bargaining agreement.

According to the Senate Labor Committee, here’s a summary of why S-4506/A-5692 is needed – and why it makes sense to waive rights that protect other employees in New Jersey:

“In March 2023, the Major League Baseball Players Association, the certified labor union for Major League Baseball players, entered into the first-ever nationwide collective bargaining agreement with Minor League Baseball. This landmark agreement established significant protections for minor league players, including guaranteed annual salaries, health care coverage, housing stipends, retirement benefits, meals and tuition assistance. Due to the unique nature of minor league baseball employment—marked by irregular schedules, extensive travel, and non-traditional training demands—certain provisions of state wage and hour laws are incompatible with the terms negotiated by the parties. This bill ensures that the legal framework governing these players remains consistent with the collectively bargained agreement, without undermining its protections or benefits.”

The exemption established by this bill applies only during the period in which a valid collective bargaining agreement is in effect and expressly provides for the wages and working conditions of the affected players.

The bill also requires the league and union to notify the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development in the event of the agreement’s termination or replacement, ensuring continued transparency and accountability.

Several other states – including Florida, Indiana and California – have taken similar steps, legislators noted.

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