Philadelphia, PA – Today, Councilman Bobby Henon (6th District) introduced a bill that proposed to change the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter and create the Department of Labor, Employment and Consumer Affairs which would pose a ballot question to Philadelphia voters in May 2017 if passed.
The proposed question is as follows:
Shall the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter be amended to establish and define the functions of the Department of Labor, Employment and Consumer Affairs headed by a Deputy Mayor of Labor, Employment and Consumer Affairs?
Additionally, Councilman Henon introduced a companion resolution that defines the responsibilities of the Department of Labor, Employment and Consumer Affairs. The Department will be responsible for educating employers and the city’s workforce about all applicable labor laws and for ensuring their compliance with said labor laws, including 21st Century Minimum Wage, Paid Sick Leave, Wage Theft and contractor requirement laws.
The Department will also oversee the Office of Labor Standards and the Office of Economic Opportunity and will have the full authority to enforce the laws those offices are required to uphold. It will be able to issue licenses and collect fees. The Department will devise an education strategy to provide information about consumer protections afforded to the City under applicable Federal, State and Local laws and regulations.
“Creating a Department of Labor, Employment and Consumer Affairs is an opportunity to make our government work in a more effective way and to streamline efforts to ensure the protection and support of workers and businesses,” said Councilman Henon. “I believe that this new Department will, most importantly, allow the city to better respond to the needs of Philadelphians. I look forward to working with the Kenney Administration, all involved departments and my fellow members on creating the Department of Labor, Employment and Consumer Affairs.”
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Councilman Bobby Henon currently serves as the Majority Leader of Philadelphia City Council. He represents the 6th District. More information at www.phlcouncil.com/BobbyHenon
