A History of Organizing 1975-2007

Fighting for Fair Wages and Jobs for over 30 Years [Video: Philadelphia Unemployment Project Celebrates 30 Years of Grassroots Struggle] You will need the most recent Quick Time player to play the video. You can download it free here.

Since 1975, the Philadelphia Unemployment Project has organized the poor and unemployed to fight for economic justice, bringing diverse groups together to bring about major changes that benefit millions of unemployed and impoverished; these victories prove that, once organized, working people and the unemployed can be a powerful voice in the city, state, and nation. Below are some of the many accomplishments won by PUP, either solely or through coalition organizing:

The enforcement of the federal Hill-Burton Act, which requires hospitals to provide free care to low income uninsured persons.
The continuation of the full 65 weeks of Federal Supplemental Compensation Benefits when they were scheduled to be slashed in 1977.
The 1979 delay in the lay-offs of 3,300 Philadelphia CETA workers. Hundreds were transferred into civil service jobs and remained employed.
A three-year extension of ITE-Gould circuit breaker plant’s Philadelphia contract in 1979 after its closing had been announced.
The largest severance package ever given to a Container Corporation of America plant when it closed.
An increase in severance benefits, pensions, and health benefits for workers of the closed Eaton Corporation fork-lift plant.
The passage of legislation in 1982 to require 60 days’ notice prior to a plant shutdown.
The preservation of over $250 million in Pennsylvania state taxes for critical programs in 1981, 1982, and 1983.
The extension of Unemployment Compensation from 39 to 49 weeks in August of 1982.
A decision in 1982 by Landsdowne Steel and Iron not to relocate to West Virginia but to renew its commitment to the area.
A moratorium on all sheriff sales in Philadelphia in 1983 that lasted over a year.
The passage of the Homeowner’s Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) in December of 1983, the nation’s first mortgage assistance program.
An end to mandatory overtime for American Postal Workers in 1984, creating 500 new jobs.
PGW’s 1984 adoption of more liberal termination and reinstatement policies, and a moratorium on winter gas shut-offs for many homes.
A temporary extension of Federal Supplemental Compensation Benefits for over 340,000 unemployed nationwide in early 1985.
Agreements with seven local hospitals in the 1980’s to admit unemployed and poor who lack insurance.
In 1989, the first increase in the state minimum wage since 1981.
Prevention of the closing or privatization of Philadelphia Public Health Centers in 1988 and 1989.
The 1991 passage of City Council’s landmark legislation guaranteeing a minimum level of services at City Health Centers.
The extension of Unemployment Compensation benefits in qualified states from 26 to 39 weeks in 1991 and expanding to 59 weeks in 1992.
Prevention of cuts to General Assistance in the summer of 1993.
Laying the groundwork for employment experience programs like Philadelphia@Work (1998), and the Work Opportunities program (1999) through a campaign demanding public jobs in light of welfare reform.
An agreement in 1999 by Tenet Healthcare to adopt a formal policy which would allow treatment for the uninsured in its local facilities.
The creation of the “Adult Basic Care” plan in 2001, which provided coverage for low-income Pennsylvanians.
A 13-week extension of unemployment benefits in March of 2002, which especially aided workers who were laid off as a result of 9-11.
A temporary moratorium on Sheriff Sales in March of 2004.
The decision of several of Philadelphia’s largest foreclosure law firms to reduce their fees to homeowners by over 60% in 2004.
The 40% reduction of fees that the sheriff charges to homeowners threatened with foreclosure, also in 2004.
The establishment in September 2005 of guidelines with the city for making reasonable payment plans for low-income people who owe back taxes.
The agreement in med-September for the sheriff to reduce the length of Sheriff Sale advertisements by over 40%, which should allow a reduction in fees.
Organized coalition efforts in 2005-06 which led to passage of Pennsylvania legislation in July 2006 which increased the state minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.15, the first increase in 9 years.