FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2025
Contact: Tochtli Garcia, tgarcia@nationalcosh.org, 917.804.8581

Philadelphia, PA — The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH) celebrates the passage of Philadelphia’s POWER Act, a groundbreaking law that strengthens protections against employer retaliation for over 750,000 workers, including domestic and immigrant workers. This landmark legislation, led by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA) and supported by local allies such as the Coalition for Restaurant Safety and Health (CRSH) and PhilaPOSH, marks a significant step forward in safeguarding workers' rights in the city.

The POWER Act, officially passed by the Philadelphia City Council, offers sweeping protections for all workers in Philadelphia and is the first legislation of its kind in the nation. It prevents retaliation against workers who assert their rights, establishing stronger legal safeguards for workers and steeper financial penalties for employers who break the law. It also allows workers to receive direct financial support when employers violate their rights; previously, all financial penalties went solely to the City.

“Today was a day of achievement because for many days and months we worked on this proposed law to protect workers from abusive employers. Today we won the victory with the passage of this new law that gives power against retaliation. Now we will be able to raise our voices against those bad and abusive employers who have kept their workers in silence. Today we did it—mission accomplished with the passage of this law. Power. Let’s celebrate. Philadelphia, yes, we did it!”
— Yuris Reyes, We Rise Leader

The Coalition for Restaurant Safety and Health (CRSH), with leadership from our Risers—Yuris Reyes, a We Rise Leader, and Natalia Nicastro, a community trainer at PhilaPOSH—played a pivotal role in advocating for this legislation. Their efforts ensured that the voices of immigrant women workers, who are among the most affected by exploitation and abuse, were central to the campaign.

“Here from City Hall to be able to complain without fear of retaliation with our “compas” from domestic workers and allies! Women immigrant workers are among the most affected by exploitation and abuse; the POWER Act will help us stand up at work!”
— Coalition for Restaurant Safety and Health (CRSH)

The POWER Act builds upon the foundation laid by the Philadelphia Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, which went into effect on May 1, 2020. This earlier legislation provided critical workplace protections for domestic workers, including the right to a written contract, paid time off, and protection against discrimination and harassment.

“The passage of the POWER Act is a powerful reminder that even in a time when working people – especially immigrants – are under attack by the current administration, change is possible when communities come together and organize,” said Jessica E. Martinez, Executive Director of National COSH. “This historic victory is a testament to the strength, resilience, and collective power of workers who have long been excluded from basic labor protections. National COSH is proud to stand in solidarity with our partners and the workers of Philadelphia in this fight for dignity and justice.”

National COSH and its affiliates, including CRSH and PhilaPOSH, remain committed to empowering workers through advocacy, education, and the promotion of safe and healthy workplaces. This victory in Philadelphia serves as a model for cities across the nation to follow in enacting robust protections for all workers.