The independent department will provide much-needed oversight for the new slate of labor laws enacted in the last couple years
By Nigel Thompson
February 14, 2020
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On Feb. 13, Philadelphia City Council unanimously passed new legislation to change the city charter and create a permanent Department of Labor within city government to help enforce some of the previously mentioned legislation.
The bill was introduced by councilmembers Helen Gym and Bobby Henon, and co-sponsored by councilmembers Kendra Brooks, Isaiah Thomas, Cindy Bass and Kenyatta Johnson.
“We intend to be a city that really, truly upholds the rights of all people,” said Gym before moving to adopt the bill.
In addition to enforcement, the permanent Department of Labor within city government will also be charged with investigating complaints, and educating workers about their rights and employers of their responsibilities to employees.