Worker Empowerment Annual Report Highlights Investments Made to Benefit Boston's Workforce

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~ Boston, MA - The Worker Empowerment Cabinet has released its annual report for Fiscal Year 2023, titled "Anchored in Equity." Established by Mayor Michelle Wu in 2022, the Cabinet's mission is to improve the well-being of all working Bostonians in both the public and private sectors. Led by Chief of Worker Empowerment Trinh Nguyen, the Cabinet is comprised of four offices: the Office of Workforce Development, the Center for Working Families, the Office of Labor Compliance and Worker Protections, and the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity. Together, they work towards reducing income inequality and creating a safe, healthy, and climate-resilient city for all residents.

Chief Nguyen expressed her pride in the Cabinet's accomplishments thus far, stating that they are a result of collaborative efforts between staff, partners, and residents who rely on their services. She also emphasized their commitment to continue striving towards a better Boston for all.

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The annual report covers the period from July 2022 to June 2023 and highlights various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting upward financial mobility for individuals and families in Boston. One such initiative is the Greater Boston Equitable Apprenticeship Pathways program which connects residents to pre-apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand industries such as construction, hospitality, healthcare, and life sciences. Another program is the Good Jobs Metro Boston Coalition which trains and places residents in quality jobs in childcare, healthcare, and clean energy sectors. The third new initiative is the Life Sciences Workforce Development Initiative which provides education, job training, and career readiness opportunities for residents seeking employment in this industry.

Recognizing the positive impact of youth summer employment programs on young people's lives, the City invested $18.7 million to improve and expand this program. As a result of this investment, over 9,000 young people were hired by more than 200 employers through partnerships with the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity.

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The Boston Tax Help Coalition (BTHC), a program under the Center for Working Families, provided free tax preparation services to nearly 12,000 low-to-moderate-income residents, resulting in $17.2 million in refunds. On average, each household served by BTHC received a $2,000 tax refund, providing much-needed financial support to families.

The Office of Labor Compliance and Worker Protections also made significant strides in ensuring the safety and well-being of workers in Boston. Through partnerships with developers, contractors, OSHA, and health and safety advocates, they implemented the Safe Construction and Demolition Operations Ordinance to protect workers and the public during construction and demolition operations.

The full report can be found on the City of Boston's website at boston.gov/workers. It provides a comprehensive overview of the Cabinet's accomplishments and initiatives aimed at promoting equity and economic opportunities for all working Bostonians.

Filed Under: Government, City

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