Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, is setting up a “Steel Curtain” of worker protections in response to federal deregulatory efforts. County officials issued an executive order just before Labor Day that aims to ramp up enforcement of local workplace laws and expand organizing rights, as well as sectoral bargaining, across the region. We’ll explain how the order impacts private employers and give you four key takeaways.

Quick Overview

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato signed an executive order on August 28 that expands worker protections and aims to ensure that “prosperity is broadly shared, workplaces are safe and fair, and every worker’s dignity is respected.” To accomplish these goals, the county will establish:

• a first-of-its-kind Office of Worker Protections (OWP), which will enforce the county’s “policies, laws, and mandates regarding anti-discrimination, worker protection, workplace benefits, and workplace safety;”
• a new Office of Worker Safety, which will focus on enhancing protections for the county’s employees and contractors; and
• a Best Value Procurement program, which will require responsive bidders to demonstrate a commitment to worker safety and equal opportunity to be rewarded a contract for services with Allegheny County.

The county will also develop an action plan within the next year for not only preserving but also expanding workers’ organizing and collective bargaining rights – which could potentially include the...

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