House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Pennsylvania was built by workers who raised their voices in solidarity and demanded justice, fair wages, benefits, safe workplaces, and equity. By standing together, workers have been able to build a better life for their families and create a stronger Pennsylvania for everyone. 

 

While the specifics of some workers' issues have changed over the decades, the strength that comes with organized labor remains a great force. The call for workers' rights was first heard in Philadelphia in 1786 when printers banded together and demanded a minimum wage of $6 per week. Those efforts resonated across the Commonwealth among workers from the Northeast and Lehigh Valley, and throughout southwestern Pennsylvania which served as a cradle of the American Labor Movement during the industrial revolution. While the fight to protect the fundamental right to collectively bargain began 237 years ago, its relevance for Pa. families endures today. We believe it is well past time that the General Assembly cements this fundamental right in our Constitution. 

Currently, the Pennsylvania Constitution does not guarantee workers the right to organize and collectively bargain. We plan to introduce legislation to amend Article I of the Pennsylvania Constitution to enshrine these rights for all workers in Pennsylvania. Additionally, this legislation would prohibit any other laws that may interfere with or diminish collective bargaining rights. Regardless of their occupation or which sector a worker is employed, all workers deserve the right to elect their representation and bargain for the conditions that are best for them.

Please stand with workers and co-sponsor this important legislation and let’s continue raising up Pennsylvania workers as they continue to build a better and stronger Commonwealth.