The New Orleans City Council has unanimously approved Step Up Louisiana’s Healthy Workplace Program, marking the second measure in the group’s Workers’ Bill of Rights policy package. The decision represents a significant victory for workers’ rights advocates and public health supporters.
“We all deserve access to good jobs that allow us to take care of ourselves, our family, and our community,” said Paulette Taylor, a member of Step Up Louisiana. “This win is a step forward for working people. Together, we are building a future where everyone can put food on the table, while having access to essential resources that better their wellbeing.”
The Healthy Workplace Program will be operated by the New Orleans Health Department and will serve as a recognition and education initiative. Employers who meet standards such as paying a living wage, providing healthcare, offering paid leave, and protecting workers’ right to organize without intimidation will be designated as Workers’ Bill of Rights employers. The program will also provide the public with a way to evaluate which employers prioritize worker wellbeing, while offering incentives for more businesses to meet these standards.
“The path to addressing the lifespan gap between wealthy, white neighborhoods and poor, majority Black neighborhoods starts with a healthy workforce,” said Britain Forsyth, policy and research coordinator with Step Up Louisiana. “New Orleans is a majority Black city that was built by Black people and is known for its culture rooted in the Black community. Upholding the wellbeing of Black communities should be the utmost priority.”
Step Up Louisiana, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing education and economic justice, views the Healthy Workplace Program as part of its larger mission to disrupt systemic inequities. By working with parents, workers, students, and community members, the group organizes through a racial justice lens and holds public officials accountable. Supporters say the program is not just about recognizing fair employers but about building the kind of city where strong schools, good jobs, and healthy communities go hand in hand.
