Councilmember Brooks introduces Power Act to strengthen anti‑retaliation protections for domestic and service workers; Washerwoman strike commemorated

Councilmember Kendra Brooks on Thursday introduced local legislation called the Power Act aimed at strengthening anti‑retaliation protections for domestic workers and other low‑wage employees. Brooks described the bill as a continuation of a long history of worker organizing, and said the measure responds to repeated complaints from domestic workers facing wage theft, unjust dismissals and retaliation.

Dozens of domestic workers and labor organizers gave public comment in support. Several speakers recounted personal experiences of wage theft, abrupt firing and retaliation when they asserted workplace rights. An interpreter identified as Catherine Heaster read testimony for a speaker who described being fired without notice after reporting a sickness, saying, "They fired me without notice, without respect, and without recognizing the years of dedication I had." Mercedes Reyes, identified in testimony as a longtime domestic worker and leader with the National Domestic Workers Alliance, said she worked as a live‑in worker for years and suffered an on‑the‑job injury without employer support.

Speakers and advocates described the Power Act’s central enforcement mechanism: shifting evidentiary burdens in retaliation claims so employers find it harder to avoid liability when they take adverse action after a worker asserts rights. Faumy O’Shaughton of the Philly Black Worker Project and other organizers explained that establishing a presumption of retaliation would allow agencies to investigate and hold repeat offenders accountable.

Brooks said more than 20 labor unions and community organizations collaborated on the legislation and promised briefings with legal experts and labor leaders. The bill was introduced; the transcript does not show a committee referral or final vote on the Power Act during this session. Brooks also introduced a related commemorative measure: a resolution recognizing the Washerwoman strike of 1881. Council adopted that resolution during the session.

Councilmembers from both parties offered public support during floor speeches. Several councilmembers, including Jim Harrity and others, praised the legislation and described domestic workers as essential labor deserving legal protections.

The Power Act as presented would create new administrative procedures and remedies (organizers said it would include a ‘‘bad actors’’ database and monetary remedies to cover harms caused by retaliation). The resolution recognizing the Washerwoman strike was adopted on a voice vote.