Gov. Wolf Signs Executive Order

Norristown PA

21 October, 2021

2:16 PM

Description

PENNSYLVANIA — Gov. Tom Wolf signed an executive order on Thursday aimed at protecting workers through safer workplaces, better sick leave, and more livable wages. Specifically, the order incentivizes businesses that pay employees at least the minimum wage of state government employees, which is currently $13.50 an hour and will rise to $15 by 2024. It also asks the state legislature to pass a bill that would bring the minimum wage for the entire state up to $15 an hour. Stay in the know, subscribe to Patch: https://patch.com/subscribe And on the worker safety front, the order requires officials to examine implementing OSHA-level standards for state offices under the governor's purview. "This is a critical moment for Pennsylvania workers, and it's time we stop asking why there is a labor shortage and start asking how we can make jobs better," Gov. Wolf said in a statement. "With Pennsylvanians renowned for our work ethic, this is an opportunity to improve jobs in the state, which will attract and retain hardworking people to live here and bring new industries to the commonwealth that want a talented, skilled and dedicated workforce." The governor said the move was particularly timely now as the economy slowly makes a comeback from the pandemic, and implements new lessons learned from the virus over the past two years. "In so many industries, (workers) were on the frontlines of COVID exposure without the equipment they needed to keep themselves safe, or the time off to heal if they got sick, let alone paid time off to care for sick loved ones," added Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, who joined Gov. Wolf in his Thursday announcement. Wolf's orders only go so far, however. Legislative action is where more comprehensive change takes place, and he asked the Republican-led legislature on Thursday to move forward on several items. Minimum wage, one of the most contentious issues nationwide, was the focus. Wolf has long called for an increase of the state's $7.25 minimum wage, while Republicans say the move would harm the economy and discourage business. Wolf reiterated calls to pass Senate Bill 12 and House Bill 345, which would raise the state's minimum wage to $12, with a path to $15 in the future. Eight other states have implemented similar laws. Wolf also advocated for House Bill 1035 and Senate Bill 13, which would mandate paid sick leave for all workers in Pennsylvania. Currently, some 400,000 Pennsylvanians are without sick leave. On the worker safety front, Senate Bill 310 and House Bill 1976 would extend the OSHA safety rules which protect federal workers to all public employees in Pennsylvania.