Related
These are the first two bills to get a committee hearing, and one reason is the sponsors want them to pass in time to get on the spring primary ballot.
That's especially crucial for Councilmember Derek Green's bill to loosen restrictions on political activity by city workers.
"City employees approached me regarding their concern of not being able to participate in certain activities occurring in 2020, especially the presidential election being very important," he said.
Philadelphia's ban on political activity is the strictest of any big city, and even good government types such as Pat Christmas of the Committee of Seventy testified it might be time to allow volunteer work for statewide and federal races.
"Philly has made enough progress to have these changes move forward to the voters," Christmas said.
The committee also approved asking voters to expand and make permanent the Labor Office Mayor Jim Kenney established.
The city charter created 15 city departments but no Labor Department, and Deputy Mayor Rich Lazer says it might not have been necessary then, but things change.
"This charter change represents a pivotal moment in the history of Philadelphia. Our residents have fought long and hard for their rights as employees. They have fought equally hard for a city government they could view as a partner in protecting their interests," Lazer said.
In the last several years, the city has passed laws against wage theft and discrimination, requiring sick leave, and a fair workweek.
The proposed department would enforce these laws, resolve disputes and oversee sexual harassment and discrimination complaints within city agencies.
The full Council will have to approve the measures before they go on the ballot.