Council passes 'Power Act' to protect workers from retaliation, funds Office of Worker Protections

Philadelphia City Council unanimously approved a package of worker‑protection measures known in the chamber as the Power Act (Bill 250065), expanding legal remedies for retaliation, improving contract and record‑keeping requirements for employers, and authorizing enforcement mechanisms and a worker justice fund.

The bill, which updates Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code, passed on final reading with a recorded vote of 16–0. Councilmember Kendra Brooks led the effort in council; the clerk read the bill title before the roll call.

Supporters framed the law as a targeted response to widespread wage theft and retaliation complaints among domestic workers, restaurant workers and other low‑wage employees. Councilmember Kendra Brooks thanked colleagues for their support and described the legislation as making the Department of Labor "more proactive, more transparent, more responsive to the needs of everyday workers in our city." Brooks also requested an appropriation of $3,100,000 for the Office of Worker Protections to ensure the new enforcement structure is staffed and funded.

Domestic workers, restaurant employees and worker‑advocates provided sustained public testimony during the hearing and on the council floor. Sandra Downey, a longtime home‑care worker and member of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, urged council to "vote yes for the Power Act" and to fund the Office of Worker Protections so the city can hold employers accountable.

Mitch, a domestic worker with 27 years' experience, told the council, "Workers deserve to feel safe and secure in the workplace," and supported the bill's protective measures. Organizers argued the law will make it easier for workers to report retaliation without fear of employer reprisals and will create new remedies including a worker justice fund and potential debarment from city contracts for repeat violators.

On the floor, Councilmember Jim Harrity and other speakers across the political spectrum praised the bill's bipartisan support. The final roll call, read by the clerk, recorded unanimous Ayes (16) and no Nays.

Key provisions add definitions and protections for domestic workers, require written contracts and employer recordkeeping, create administrative and civil remedies for retaliation and wage theft, authorize annual reporting to council on enforcement, and enable revocation of city licenses or contracts for noncompliant employers. The bill also authorizes visa and deferred‑action certifications for immigrant workers in some enforcement contexts.

Councilmembers said implementation will require coordination with the city's Department of Labor and budgetary support to staff the enforcement office. Supporters asked the mayor and the administration to appropriate the requested $3.1 million in fiscal year 2026 to operationalize the office and the enforcement functions in the law.

The Power Act joins a set of local labor protections that several U.S. cities have enacted in recent years, and council members framed the law as Philadelphia's attempt to protect workers amid weakening federal enforcement.

The bill takes effect under the schedule set out in the ordinance text and after required administrative steps; council members said they will monitor implementation closely.