A short history of the Department of Labor

Philadelphia Department of Labor: Structure, history, and labor relations

The Philadelphia Department of Labor was officially established in 2020 following a voter referendum to consolidate the City's labor-related functions. This move created a unified body to better protect and educate workers, enforce labor laws, and modernize Citywide labor relations.

Who makes up the Department of Labor?

• Office of Worker Protections (OWP): Enforces City ordinances like the Fair Workweek Law (2018), Paid Sick Leave, and Wage Theft Prevention.
• Office of Labor Standards (OLS): Traces its roots to the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (1951), itself a successor to the 1948 Fair Employment Practices Commission.
• Office of Labor Relations: Oversees collective bargaining and union contracts Citywide.
• Office of Employee Relations: Focuses on internal workforce relations, training, and grievance management. It likely emerged alongside the Office of Human Resources in the 1951 Home Rule Charter.
• Living Wage Working Group: Supports the City's 21st Century Minimum Wage and Benefits Standard, affecting City contracts and subsidies.
• Board of Labor Standards: Provides oversight on City labor policies and wage enforcement strategies.

Learn more about what each part of our department does on our About page.

Historical foundations

Prior to the 2020 consolidation:

• The Mayor's Office of Labor served as the City's central labor entity.
• The creation of the OWP coincided with enforcement responsibilities tied to progressive worker laws passed in the late 2010s.
• The OLS built on civil rights-era enforcement traditions of fair employment and anti-discrimination efforts.

Labor negotiations: A 60-year progression

Philadelphia's labor relations span decades, shaping benefits and stability for thousands of municipal employees. Key developments include:

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5

• 2021-2024 Agreement: 2.75%-3.5% raises, civilian oversight of discipline.
• 2009 Healthcare Reforms: Initiated major cost restructuring.
  Firefighters (IAFF Local 22)
• 2024 Contract Extension: 5% raise, $1,800 bonus.
• Historically resolved contracts via Act 111 arbitration.

AFSCME District Council 33

• 2025 Extension: 5% raise, $1,400 bonus, targeted adjustments.
• Major gains under Mayor Nutter's 2014 contract.

AFSCME District Council 47

• 2025 Contract: 4.4% raise, $1,400 bonus.
• Emphasis on long-term professional development.

District Council 46 (Skilled Trades)

• Historical alignments with DC33 on wage adjustments and Citywide contracts.

Local 159B - Correctional Officers

• 2024 Extension: 4.5% raise, retention bonuses, and safer working conditions.

Philadelphia's Department of Labor represents a strategic unification of legacy functions and modern mandates. The evolution of its labor negotiations reflects a more structured, equity-minded model focused on fair compensation, retention, and long-term workforce planning.