[VT Philadelphia PA] — March 12, 2025, Yesterday, Councilmember Kendra Brooks (At-Large) hosted a briefing at City Hall to provide information on the Protect Our Workers, Enforce Rights (POWER) Act. Workers, employers, labor leaders, and legal experts attended the session, emphasizing how this legislation would strengthen labor protections in Philadelphia, particularly in response to federal rollbacks of workers’ rights under President Donald Trump.
Legislation Overview and Objectives
Councilmember Brooks highlighted that the POWER Act aims to update and improve existing labor laws, ensuring the effective enforcement of protections already granted by previous legislation, including the Wage Theft Ordinance, Paid Sick Leave, and the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights.
“The goal of this legislation is to provide clear guidelines for both workers and employers while making the Department of Labor more transparent, effective, and accountable,” said Councilmember Brooks.
Drafted with the support of legal experts from Community Legal Services, the POWER Act includes the following key provisions:
- Clarifies labor laws by establishing consistent enforcement timelines across multiple regulations.
- Introduces new anti-retaliation measures to protect workers who assert their rights and allows them to seek compensation for damages caused by employer retaliation.
- Enhances reporting requirements for the Department of Labor, ensuring greater oversight from City Council and the public.
Broad Support from Workers and Labor Advocates
Ai-jen Poo, President of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, stressed the importance of proper enforcement of labor laws:
“Winning rights is just one step; ensuring they are enforced is how we create real change in workers’ lives.”
Councilmember Jim Harrity (At-Large) echoed this sentiment, stating that Philadelphia has long been a leader in labor protections:
“With this bill, we’re doubling down on our commitment to the working people who keep this city running.”
Local domestic worker Rosa Ortiz shared how the legislation would provide greater protection:
“The POWER Act will offer us more support when our rights are not respected, and it will also ensure that abusive employers are held accountable.”
Dr. Julia Ticona, a working parent who employs a house cleaner and a nanny, emphasized how the bill benefits both workers and responsible employers:
“These protections ensure that highly skilled, trustworthy, and dedicated workers aren’t pushed out of their professions due to exploitative practices.”
Legislative Process and Next Steps
Councilmember Brooks introduced the POWER Act to City Council on February 6, and the bill is scheduled for a hearing in the Committee on Law and Government on April 25. If approved, it will proceed to a full City Council vote.
The legislation is co-sponsored by a veto-proof majority of City Councilmembers, including:
- Council President Kenyatta Johnson (2nd District)
- Councilmember Jim Harrity (At-Large)
- Councilmember Mark Squilla (1st District)
- Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (At-Large)
- Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (3rd District)
- Councilmember Rue Landau (At-Large)
- Councilmember Curtis Jones (4th District)
- Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (At-Large)
- Councilmember Jeffery Young (5th District)
- Councilmember Anthony Phillips (9th District)
- Councilmember Nina Ahmad (At-Large)
- Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District)
- Councilmember Cindy Bass (8th District)
The POWER Act has also received endorsements from the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the Philadelphia Council of the AFL-CIO, the Philly Black Workers Project, and numerous other pro-worker organizations.
City Council is expected to vote on the bill in the coming months. If passed, the POWER Act will establish stronger, clearer, and enforceable labor protections for Philadelphia’s workforce.
