Patrick signs temporary worker bill

BOSTON (AP) -- Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed into law legislation that aims to protect temporary workers by requiring short-term employment agencies to be more transparent.

Patrick signed the bill without fanfare Monday at the Statehouse.

Under the new law, staffing agencies are prohibited from charging registration and criminal record check fees, as well as from any other fee that would reduce a worker's pay below the minimum wage. Additionally, agencies will be required to reimburse a temporary worker who is sent to a worksite when no jobs are available there.

It also creates a bill of rights for temporary employees, requiring the staffing agencies to disclose wages, worker's compensation carrier and other basic information.

Patrick said the legislation will help ensure that temporary workers in Massachusetts are being treated "fairly."