Every day, the Department of Labor works to bring dignity and respect to every workplace, for every worker in the city, through enforcing and advancing labor laws with a commitment to promoting economic security and racial justice. Together, we’ve recovered over $1.1 million for workers since 2019, and we’re not slowing down yet. This “Labor Month,” we’re excited to announce new initiatives, resources, and tools to help every Philadelphian understand their workplace protections. Learn more below.

Announcing the Second Community Outreach and Education Fund.

Following the success of the inaugural Community Outreach and Education Fund (COEF) — which trained dozens of staff from community organizations and engaged over 40 trusted institutions in the distribution of worker protection resources in over 25 languages — the Office of Worker Protections will soon open applications for as many as ten trusted organizations to join the second cohort of COEF Partners. Applications will open on September 15, 2023 and remain open through September 30, 2023.

Launching new Multi-Lingual Public Service Announcements.

Over the course of September, the Department will launch new public service announcements to help Philadelphians understand their workplace protections, in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and more. Videos will be aired on public access television (Channel 64) as well as the Department’s social media channels. Videos will feature workers, community partners, and City Councilmembers.

Kickstarting a new “Know Your Rights” Public Ad Campaign.

Every single one of Philadelphia’s 700,000 workers has workplace protections. Building on earlier public ad campaigns across 600 SEPTA buses and 125 SEPTA train cars, the Office of Worker Protections has launched a new public advertising campaign at SEPTA Bus Shelters and PHL Link stations to ensure every worker understands their rights in the workplace.

Targeted Programming for Refugees and Immigrants

The Office of Worker Protections enforces and upholds Philadelphia’s labor laws no matter a worker’s immigration status. This month, the Office of Worker Protections will sponsor two events targeted for immigrants and refugees. In mid-September, the Office will host a Bilingual Workers Rights Trainings with the Office of Immigrant Affairs and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services on Deferred Action and municipal labor protections. On September 18th, the Office will join city partners in hosting a Career Fair for immigrants and refugees with job opportunities and professional development support. Register for the career fair here.

Announcing the Department of Labor’s Instagram Debut!

The Department is excited to launch a new social media channel which will include new short-form videos on labor protections and digestible explanations of workplace protections. Follow the Department on Instagram at @LaborPHL.