The workers of Pennsylvania are second to none. They bring with them a high degree of education, value, and a work ethic that strives for innovation. Our workers have literally built America and we believe that in order to continue building on this legacy, employers are well served to encourage employee engagement at all levels. Workers find more satisfaction and feel a greater level of commitment to the job when they feel respected and part of a common mission.

Unfortunately, as our economy continues to shift in a manner that has challenged middle class growth and decreased retirement security, we have found that far too many employers sacrifice employee salaries, benefits, and pensions while limiting employee voices regarding workplace safety or organizing. All the while high-level administrators take home astronomical sums of money.

In today’s times of growing income inequality, we need to adopt policies that will help Pennsylvanians grow together and flatten the growing inequality– and we need to do so now.

As a Commonwealth, we need to ensure that state dollars in the form of contracts, funding, or grants go to organizations that have a proven track record of employee engagement and fair labor practices. We cannot in good faith advocate for the working people of Pennsylvania while simultaneously handing out millions of dollars in state resources to organizations who treat workers badly.

Our legislation will require that for any non-profit with 200 employees or more to be eligible for a state contract, state funding, or a state grant, they shall not have violated the Fair Labor Standards Act or been found guilty of an unfair labor practice in the last five years. Additionally, they must prove that at least 20% of their governing board are employees elected by the organization’s workforce.

We believe setting these requirements will, at a minimum, show PA’s commitment to a workplace that better serves the interest of workers and gives them a voice in decision-making at the organizations they work for and further would mark a step forward in making sure all Pennsylvanians moves forward together. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation.