Peduto presses authorities

Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto is leaning on the city’s four municipal authorities to consider more than a dozen workplace policies, such as a $15 minimum wage, free public WiFi and lactation rooms.

City leaders have already adopted the measures for departments that operate directly under the mayor and city council, such as public works, public safety and planning. The authorities — which handle public housing, parking, water and redevelopment — operate separately.

“Our government is doing its part to make Pittsburgh a better place to live and work, and to set an example for innovative and supportive workplaces across the region,” Mr. Peduto said in a statement.

“I urge the authorities affiliated with the city — and the people working for them every day to deliver services to city residents — to continue their efforts to implement these policies.”

Under a mayoral order Friday, the Pittsburgh Parking Authority, Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority, city Urban Redevelopment Authority and Housing Authority should report to Mr. Peduto by Dec. 31 on progress toward the policies.

He appoints board members at the authorities, which generally fall outside of his immediate oversight.

The policies backed by Mr. Peduto include an hourly minimum wage — for full-time workers — of at least $15 by January 2021; baby-changing stations in bathrooms; the proactive disclosure of public data sets; and paid safe leave for survivors of domestic abuse.