WHEREAS, Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights explicitly renders upon every person the fundamental right to earn a living, which includes the right to participate in the labor market, to free choice of employment, and to just and favorable conditions of work; and
WHEREAS, Congress's continued inability to provide workers in restaurants and other industries with the opportunity to gain immigration status or citizenship relegates many of our city’s workers to the dark shadows of our economy; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia has become a national leader in creating a welcoming and protective environment for all people, regardless of immigration status, through cultural, economic, and legal initiatives; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia recognizes the significant positive contributions of immigrants, regardless of immigration status, to our City's economy, through the payment of taxes and participation in our nationally acclaimed restaurant industry and overall economy; and
WHEREAS, The Day Without an Immigrant on February 16, 2017, revealed the invaluable role that immigrants, regardless of immigration status, play in keeping our restaurants, stores, and businesses open and flourishing; and
WHEREAS, A lack of immigration status leaves many workers vulnerable to discrimination, abuse, dangerous working conditions, wage theft, and retaliation for asserting their legal rights; and
WHEREAS, Every person has the right to core labor standards that include a right to equal pay for equal work and a right to take collective action; and
WHEREAS, Employers who join in solidarity to recognize the fundamental right of each of their employees to earn a living, including the right to full participation in the labor market and the right to receive fair treatment, are to be commended; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Recognizes every person’s fundamental right to earn a living, regardless of immigration status, and affirms the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to protect and secure a safe and dignified workplace for all.
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