Philadelphia’s POWER Act: A New Era for Worker Rights

dskassociate17
Aug 23
2 min read

Philadelphia has taken a bold step forward in protecting its workforce with the POWER Act (Protect Our Workers, Enforce Rights), signed into law on May 27, 2025. This landmark legislation strengthens worker protections, expands enforcement measures, and ensures that employees across the city have the support they need when facing workplace challenges.

What the POWER Act Does

The POWER Act is designed to close gaps in existing laws while making enforcement more effective. Specifically, it:

Expands Paid Sick Leave Protections Ensures that more workers can access paid time off when they or their families need care, without fear of retaliation.
Strengthens Wage Theft Prevention Provides stronger tools for employees to recover unpaid wages and increases accountability for employers who break the law.
Supports Domestic Workers Domestic workers—such as housekeepers, nannies, and caregivers—gain clearer rights and stronger protections under city law.
Creates New Legal SafeguardsTwo new chapters were added to the Philadelphia Code:
- Protecting Victims of Retaliation (§ 9-6500): shields workers from being punished for standing up for their rights.
- Enforcement of Worker Protection Ordinances (§ 9-6600): strengthens the city’s ability to investigate and enforce workplace laws.

Why It Matters

Philadelphia is home to hundreds of thousands of workers in diverse industries. Too often, employees are hesitant to report violations because they fear retaliation or don’t believe the system will protect them. The POWER Act changes that dynamic by:

Making sure workers have clear, enforceable rights.
Giving the City greater authority to hold employers accountable.
Ensuring that retaliation is addressed quickly and effectively.

This is more than just a legal update—it’s a cultural shift toward fairness and dignity in the workplace.

What Workers Should Know

If you are a worker in Philadelphia, the POWER Act means you now have stronger protections if you:

Need to take paid sick leave.
Experience wage theft (unpaid or underpaid wages).
Work in domestic labor or similar fields.
Speak up about unsafe, unfair, or illegal practices.

You can file complaints with the Office of Worker Protections, and under the POWER Act, the city is better equipped to respond.

What Employers Should Know

For employers, the POWER Act is a call to review and update workplace policies. Compliance is key—not only to avoid penalties but to foster a healthier, more supportive work environment. Businesses that embrace these changes will build trust with their employees and stand out as leaders in fair labor practices.

Final Thoughts

The POWER Act marks a new chapter in Philadelphia’s commitment to its workforce. By strengthening protections, closing loopholes, and empowering both workers and the city to act, it helps ensure that every worker in Philadelphia can do their job with confidence, safety, and dignity.