Council ActionCITY COUNCIL
ADOPTED
Other recorded action without a published tally.
Official action detail
Source: LegislationDetail.aspx · gridLegislation
Full Bill
WHEREAS, The restaurant industry is the third largest employer in the nation, and the fifth largest private sector employer in Philadelphia. Additionally, employment in food services has grown, while employment in many of the rest of Philadelphia's main employing sectors have stagnated or declined, and yet restaurant workers make up 49 percent of the minimum wage workforce; and
WHEREAS, The current minimum wage of $7.25 per hour (or $2.83 per hour for tipped workers) is not a sufficient living wage for workers and their families, half of whom reported supporting at least one dependent; and
WHEREAS, 94 percent of Philadelphia's restaurant workers lack employer-provided health insurance; 92 percent lack access to earned sick days, and 64 percent have reported working while sick as a result of not having earned sick days. Paying workers above the minimum wage and offering benefits will make a significant difference in the lives of workers, their families, and their communities; and
WHEREAS, On the occasion of the release of the 2013 Diner's Guide by the Restaurant Opportunities Center of Philadelphia, promoting ethical employers across the country, including 9 restaurants here in Philadelphia, including The Belgian Café, Bliss, Fare Restaurant, Fergie's Pub, Grace Tavern, Lil' Pop Shop, Monks, Nodding Head Brewery, and Tequila's Restaurant; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the City of Philadelphia applauds and supports Philadelphia restaurant owners who employ ethical workplace practices, such as paying restaurant workers above the legally mandated minimum wage, offering benefits, and providing workers with opportunities for advancement.
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