On Wednesday, a small crowd of activists gathered in front of Philadelphia’s City Hall to demand that City Council raise the city’s minimum wage to $15 dollars an hour. They rallied under the banner of a largely volunteer organization, 15 Now, which gained nationwide attention for its role in Seattle’s historic increase earlier this year. (The group is distinct from Fight for 15, which orchestrates one-day strikes for a $15 wage for fast-food workers and is backed by the Service Employees International Union.)
Despite the bitter cold, 40 to 50 attendees milled around, trying to keep warm, and singing a revamped version of “This Land Is Your Land” (“We work all day for minimal pay, raise the wage for you and me”). Near the end of the rally, Councilman Kenyatta Johnson showed up, talked about the labor struggles at the airport, and led the crowd in chanting for a $15 minimum wage. “I came out here today to support your efforts to make sure we raise the minimum wage here in the city of Philadelphia,” said Johnson. “I will continue to stand with you.”
15 Now is demanding that City Council act despite a preemption clause inserted in Pennsylvania’s minimum wage law the last time it was increased (in 2006). The law reads “this act shall preempt and supersede any local ordinance or rule concerning the subject matter of this act.” But 15 Now claims it has found a way around the preemption clause, laying out their case in a well-researched and carefully argued legal memo.
Their argument rests on the idea that the law’s statement of policy shows that the intent of the legislation is to be a substitute for low-wage workers’ minimal bargaining power and prevent “the depression of wages.” Read in light of the statement of policy’s clarity on this point and the preemption clauses’ relatively vague wording, 15 Now argues that the legislature’s intent regarding preemption is ambiguous. It could be read only as a ban against municipalities reducing their own minimum wage below that of the state, still allowing for the possibility of higher local floors. In the case of such ambiguity, 15 Now argues that the state Supreme Court would rule in favor of the city’s right to raise its own minimum wage.
“I think they are good arguments,” says Bob Curley, a labor lawyer who works with the building trades, after reading 15 Now’s memo. Asked what would happen if City Council attempted to act on these recommendations, he says, “I think the Chamber of Commerce would challenge it, but I’m not sure the courts would agree. It would really need to be enacted, then … business interests would seek an injunction until it’s constitutionally ruled on.”
As of yesterday, no members of City Council have endorsed 15 Now’s specific position or committed to introducing legislation. Councilman Johnson’s office confirmed his support of raising the minimum wage, but was not prepared to discuss 15 Now’s preemption claims. Organizers say all the Council members they’ve talked to are broadly supportive of raising the minimum wage; the city’s Law Department is studying their position.
Many states do not allow cities to set their own minimum wage laws. New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio was prevented from fulfilling his campaign promise to increase his city’s minimum wage by Democratic, but industry-friendly, Governor Andrew Cuomo and his allies in the legislature. The state of Illinois is considering legislation to forestall a successful ballot initiative for a $15 minimum wage last spring.
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