Since Mayor Kenney took office, supporting workers and increasing access to good-paying, family-sustaining jobs has been a key priority.
Part of that means providing all City workers, contractors, and subcontractors with a living wage of $15 per hour. Thanks to a Kenney Administration bill which was introduced by Councilman Mark Squilla and passed by City Council on December 6, 2018, this is now law. Mayor Kenney then signed the bill on December 20.
“Poverty works its way into households in insidious, subtle ways,” Mayor Kenney explained, “including when residents discover that their hard-earned dollar buys less. This law shows our Administration’s commitment to finding solutions to pervasive poverty, a commitment I believe all employers should replicate.”
While Mayor Kenney supports a $15 minimum wage for all workers, both in and outside of government, the City does not have the legislative authority to do that. But with this new measure, the City is doing what it can to support workers, leading by example and fostering a citywide culture of attaching value to work.
Which workers does the law cover?
This affects all Philadelphia municipal government workers, contractors, and subcontractors.
Generally speaking, if a position is funded by City dollars, it probably falls under this law.
When does the law take effect?
The law takes effect on July 1, 2019.
It phases in over four years, resulting in a $15 minimum on July 1, 2022, allowing contractors and subcontractors time to gradually adjust to the new rate schedule.
The steps are:
- $13.25 on July 1, 2019.
- $13.75 on July 1, 2020.
- $14.25 on July 1, 2021.
- $15.00 on July 1, 2022.
If I have questions about the law or its enforcement, who do I talk to?
If you’re a City contractor or recipient of City leases, concessions, or franchises, you should speak to the contracting unit of the City department you work with.
If you have other questions, you should reach out to the Mayor’s Office of Labor by calling 215-686-2163.
