In a City Hall briefing, Philadelphia councilmembers were urged to show their support for worker protections through the POWER (Protect Our Workers, Enforce Rights) Act. The recent gathering was orchestrated by At-Large Councilmember Kendra Brooks and saw a coalition of workers, employers, and labor leaders discuss the bill's potential to fortify local labor laws against diminishing federal protections.
As reported by PHLCouncil.com, the POWER Act would act as a bulwark, protecting Philadelphia's workforce against the current administration's attacks on worker's rights. With offerings like consistent timelines for enforcement across various labor laws and stronger retaliation provisions, the bill was crafted to make rights and responsibilities clearer for all parties. Hosting the event, Councilmember Brooks highlighted that "[t]he goal of the POWER Act is to update and improve our labor laws so that we can truly protect workers and enforce the rights that we have already guaranteed in previous legislation."
The legwork of the bill includes not only clarification of labor laws but also establishes new reporting requirements for the Department of Labor, ensuring the public and City Council stay informed on enforcement efforts. Ai-jen Poo, President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, voiced her support, emphasizing the importance of enforcement in realizing worker's rights. She said, "Winning rights is just one step; ensuring they are enforced is how we create real change in workers' lives," in a statement obtained by PHLCouncil.com.
The POWER Act also builds upon previous legislation such as the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, intending to seal any cracks through which wage theft and exploitation could slip. With abusive employers held accountable and supportive measures for those experiencing wage theft, Councilmember Jim Harrity underscored the bill's significance, saying to PHLCouncil.com, "Philadelphia has led the way in labor protections, and with this bill, we’re doubling down on our commitment to the working people who keep this city running." Dr. Julia Ticona, a local employer of domestic staff, expressed the urgent need for such clarity in employer responsibilities, acknowledging that, "These protections ensure that highly skilled, trustworthy and dedicated workers aren’t chased out of their chosen field because of bad treatment by employers."
The call to action is heightened as the POWER Act approaches a critical juncture, with a committee hearing set for April 25 and a full City Council vote impending post-committee passage. Backed by a broad spectrum of labor advocacy groups and a veto-proof majority of the City Council, the legislation could mark a substantial advance for the rights of Philadelphia's workers.
