Philadelphia advocates push Power Act to strengthen domestic worker protections

The Philadelphia City Council's Committee on Law Government convened on April 25, 2025, to discuss significant labor legislation aimed at enhancing protections for workers in the city. The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed Power Act, which seeks to enforce existing labor laws, including the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, passed in 2020.

The session began with testimony from representatives of the National Domestic Workers Alliance and We Dream in Black Philadelphia. They highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by domestic workers, particularly black, brown, and immigrant women of color, who often work in isolation and are vulnerable to labor abuses. The speakers emphasized that despite the passage of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, many employers fail to comply, leading to issues such as denied contracts, lack of paid breaks, and wrongful terminations. They argued that without proper enforcement mechanisms, the law is ineffective.

Manera Edens, a worker justice organizer with the Philly Black Worker Project, expressed gratitude to council members who co-sponsored the Power Act. She noted that the legislation would not only protect workers but also address barriers faced by low-wage workers, particularly those with histories of incarceration. Edens stressed the need for accountability to prevent exploitation by employers.

Veronica, a restaurant worker, shared her personal experiences with harassment and gender-based violence in the workplace. She called for stronger protections and a legitimate office of worker protection to support victims of workplace abuse. Her testimony underscored the urgency of the Power Act in providing real options for workers facing retaliation and harassment.

Jen Stowe, Executive Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, reinforced the importance of the Power Act as a means to rectify enforcement gaps that hinder worker protections. She noted that the act could serve as a model for other cities, especially in a climate where federal protections are being rolled back.

The committee members engaged with the panelists, with Vice Chair Brooks questioning the broad support for the Power Act among domestic workers, despite its applicability to a wider range of workers. The response highlighted a collective desire to raise standards for all workers, emphasizing the shared experiences of exploitation and the need for dignity and respect in all forms of labor.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the council to consider the testimonies and the implications of the Power Act, which aims to ensure that worker protections are not just laws on paper but are actively enforced to safeguard the rights of vulnerable workers in Philadelphia. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential voting on the legislation.