This post was written by Candace Chewning, Outreach and Communications Director for the Office of Benefits and Wage Compliance.
Every Philadelphia worker is covered by one or more of the City’s labor laws. These measures provide economic security and raise workplace standards by providing protections for workers.
Philadelphia labor laws are enforced by the Mayor’s Office of Labor and include:
- Wage Theft.
- Paid Sick Leave.
- Fair Workweek.
- Domestic Worker Bill of Rights.
- Wrongful Discharge from Parking Employment.
- Prevailing Wage.
- Protection of Displaced Workers Act.
- Governing Workforce Diversity Plan for City Contractors.
On your ballot for the June 2, 2020 primary election, Philadelphia residents will have the opportunity to make the Mayor’s Office of Labor a permanent part of the City government by voting “Yes” to Ballot Question #1.
Ballot Question #1 will appear as follows:
Question #1, Bill No. 200008
Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to create a Department of Labor, headed by a Cabinet-level Director, to enforce City laws that protect Philadelphia workers; to oversee labor relations, such as collective bargaining with the City’s unionized workforce; to investigate compliance with worker protections set forth in the City contracts; and to manage programs concerning City employees; and to create a Board of Labor Standards to review and adjudicate matters arising from such work?
Voting “Yes” on the ballot question means that you want to amend the City Home Rule Charter so that the Mayor’s Office of Labor will be permanent. The City’s Home Rule Charter is like the City’s constitution. It sets up the rules for City government.
The City has a Mayor’s Office of Labor now, but the leadership and structure of the office can change depending on who the Mayor is.
Given the increase in labor laws—five laws passed in the last five years—and the uncertainty around labor policy on a national level, it is more important than ever that cities and municipalities take the lead on enforcing the workplace protections that define what work means. This will ensure Philadelphia is a safe, good place to work.
Voting “Yes” on this ballot question means you want to make the Mayor’s Office of Labor a formal and permanent part of City government, regardless of who is in leadership.
Strong enforcement of labor laws means employers who follow the law are not dragged down by those who don’t. It also means healthier families and a stronger Philadelphia.
We encourage you to vote “Yes” to ensure that the Mayor’s Office of Labor can continue to make workers and workplace protections a priority for the City.
