Pennsylvania Employment Law: PHRA Worker Rights & Protections (2026)

Pennsylvania provides worker protections through the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), which covers employers with 4 or more employees—broader than federal law. As an at-will employment state with significant exceptions, Pennsylvania offers moderate protections balanced between employer and employee interests. Understanding your rights is essential for Pennsylvania workers.

Quick Facts: Pennsylvania Employment Law

Key Pennsylvania Protections

Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA)

Covers employers with 4+ employees:

• Broader coverage than federal Title VII (15+)
• Protects against discrimination and harassment
• Applies to employment, housing, and public accommodations

Protected classes:

• Race, color, national origin
• Religion
• Sex (including pregnancy)
• Age (40+)
• Disability
• Use of guide or support animals

At-Will Employment

Pennsylvania follows at-will doctrine:

• Employers can terminate for any lawful reason
• Employees can quit at any time
• No specific notice required

Important exceptions:

• Discrimination under PHRA
• Public policy violations
• Contractual limitations
• Retaliation for protected activity

Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Protections

Philadelphia

Additional local protections:

• Fair Workweek Law (predictable scheduling)
• Paid Sick Leave (40 hours/year)
• Ban-the-box (criminal history)
• Salary history ban
• LGBTQ+ explicit protections

Pittsburgh

Local ordinances include:

• Paid Sick Leave requirements
• Additional discrimination protections
• Anti-retaliation provisions

Wage and Hour Laws

Minimum Wage

Pennsylvania follows federal minimum:

• $7.25/hour (no state increase)
• Philadelphia: $7.25 (state preemption limits local increases)

Overtime

Standard federal rules apply:

• Time-and-a-half after 40 hours/week
• No daily overtime requirement
• Exemptions similar to FLSA

Pay Frequency

• Must pay at least semi-monthly
• Specific payday requirements

Final Paycheck

• Next regular payday after separation

Filing Discrimination Complaints

Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)

Primary state agency:

• Deadline: 180 days from discriminatory act
• Phone: 717-787-4410
• Website: phrc.pa.gov{rel="nofollow"}
• Regional offices throughout state

EEOC

For federal claims:

• Deadline: 300 days
• Phone: 1-800-669-4000
• Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offices

Cross-Filing

PHRC has worksharing agreement with EEOC—filing with one can preserve rights under both.

Legal Resources

Pennsylvania Bar Association

• Website: pabar.org{rel="nofollow"}
• Lawyer referral service available

Legal Aid

• Philadelphia: philalegal.org
• Pittsburgh: neighborhoodla.org
• Statewide: palawhelp.org

Major Employment Centers

Philadelphia

• Healthcare (Penn Medicine, Jefferson)
• Financial services
• Higher education
• Pharmaceuticals

Pittsburgh

• Healthcare (UPMC)
• Technology and startups
• Energy sector
• Higher education

Other Major Areas

• Harrisburg (state government)
• Allentown/Lehigh Valley (manufacturing, logistics)
• Erie (manufacturing)

Common Employment Issues

Discrimination

File with PHRC within 180 days or EEOC within 300 days.

Wage Violations

File with Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry or in court.

Wrongful Termination

Consult attorney about public policy or PHRA claims.

Retaliation

Protected under PHRA and various statutes.

Related Resources

• Pennsylvania Wrongful Termination
• Pennsylvania Workplace Discrimination
• Pennsylvania Wages and Hours
• Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation
• Philadelphia Employment Law
• Pittsburgh Employment Law

Legal Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Pennsylvania employment law and is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed Pennsylvania employment attorney.

Official Resources:

• Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission: phrc.pa.gov{rel="nofollow"} | 717-787-4410
• EEOC: eeoc.gov{rel="nofollow"} | 1-800-669-4000