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SEIU Local 3 Gets
"Displaced Worker Protection Ordinance"
Passed in Pittsburgh

On November 30, 2004, Pittsburgh City Council unanimously passed the Displaced Worker Protection Ordinance that would protect the jobs of contract workers for 180 days when their employer loses a contract with a downtown building.  The bill, which was strongly supported by SEIU Local 3 as well as the Allegheny County Labor Council, the Mon Valley Unemployed Committee, the Merton Center and the Consumer Health Coalition, became law in mid-December when the Mayor of Pittsburgh sent it back to City Council without vetoing it.

The Displaced Worker Protection Law would provide contract workers like janitors, maintenance workers and security guards with 180 days of employment with the new contractor.  During this time period the worker could either prove him or her self to the new company or use the time to find another job.  This bill helps those workers who desperately need the opportunity to keep their families out of poverty by keeping them employed.

SEIU Local 3's support for this bill came from the ongoing situation at Centre City Tower (see related article below).  This law would prevent a replay of what happened to the nine janitors that worked at the building when their employer lost its contract with the Centre City Tower.  (see article below)

For more information, click on the following links:

 Editorial in support of the Displaced Worker Protection Law 

 Pittsburgh City Council passes DWP Law

 SEIU Janitors testify in front of Pittsburgh City Council in support of DWP Law