HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry announced the extension of an ongoing partnership between the state’s Office of Attorney General and the U.S. Department of Labor. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to streamline enforcement and education initiatives and investigations related to labor laws.
The MOU serves as a framework for cooperative efforts to tackle critical issues such as wage theft and employee misclassification, both of which have profound implications for workers’ income, benefits, and job security. By fostering a collaborative approach to these challenges, the agreement paves the way for stronger protections for Pennsylvania’s workforce.
Attorney General Henry emphasized the importance of a robust alliance to safeguard workers, stating, “The larger and stronger the alliance in place to support workers who want to provide for their families and communities, the better off we will all be.” She added that clear and concise labor laws are crucial for both employers and employees, and the renewed partnership would help ensure these protections remain in place.
The partnership builds on initiatives like the Fair Labor Section, established by the Office of Attorney General in 2017. This section promotes fair labor practices and protects Pennsylvania workers from unscrupulous employers who may seek to violate labor laws for their own profit.
Mark Watson, the Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator based in Philadelphia, also acknowledged the value of the renewed partnership. He noted, “Our partnership reflects a joint commitment to improve our effectiveness in serving workers and ensuring employers are compliant with federal and state laws.”
The MOU has been signed by both Attorney General Michelle Henry and Wage and Hour Division Regional Administrator Mark Watson, marking a formal commitment to this collaborative approach to labor law enforcement.
This renewed partnership is a significant development for Pennsylvania workers. By aligning state and federal resources, it enhances the ability to enforce labor laws effectively, educate employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities, and hold violators accountable.
Moreover, it sends a strong message to employers across the state: adherence to labor laws is not optional, and violations will not be tolerated.
Ultimately, this agreement underscores the importance of protecting workers’ rights. Fair labor practices are not just about wages and job classifications; they’re about dignity, fairness, and respect in the workplace. As Pennsylvania continues to navigate the challenges of a changing economy, safeguarding these principles becomes even more crucial.
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