Supervisor Safaie proposes amendments to San Francisco's Displaced Worker Protection Act

A new ordinance aimed at protecting workers in San Francisco was introduced during a recent government meeting, focusing on the rights of janitorial, security, and building maintenance employees. Sponsored by Supervisor Safaie, the Displaced Worker Protection Act seeks to amend the police code to ensure that workers are retained when a contractor changes, addressing significant gaps in current enforcement.

The ordinance mandates that the awarding authority—typically the company hiring the service—must provide the name of the successor contractor within three days of hiring. If no successor is hired within ten days, the previous contractor must inform the awarding authority of the employees who should be retained. This change aims to prevent situations like the recent incident at Twitter's headquarters, where employees were left in the dark after a contractor was terminated without notice.

Supervisor Safaie emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating it would facilitate quicker justice for displaced workers through administrative enforcement by the Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement (OLSE), rather than relying solely on costly private lawsuits. The city attorney will also have the authority to act on behalf of workers, further strengthening their protections.

Olga Miranda, Secretary-Treasurer of SEIU Local 87, voiced her support for the ordinance, highlighting the urgency of the issue as many workers faced job losses without warning. The ordinance is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring a just transition for workers affected by contractor changes.

As the city moves forward with this legislation, it aims to create a more equitable environment for workers in San Francisco, ensuring they are treated fairly during transitions in employment. The next steps will include public comments and potential amendments to refine the ordinance further.