by Vati | Sep 27, 2019 | Blog, DC Locals, Featured, Local 1723, Local 1739, Local 2186, Local 2187, Local 3397, Local 590, Local 752, Local 810, Retirees
DC 47 President Cathy Scott is all smiles after winning re-election on Thursday night. Former Pres. Fred Wright did not run for re-election and Cathy Scott easily beat her opponent by over 1500 votes. Scott’s entire slate of officers and trustees won.
by Vati | Sep 19, 2019 | Blog, DC Locals, Featured, Local 1723, Local 1739, Local 2186, Local 2187, Local 3397, Local 590, Local 752, Local 810, Retirees
AFSCME DC 47 VP Ethelind Baylor made remarks in support of Council member Henon’s resolution.
Philadelphia City Council Resolution Introduced By Council member Bobby Henon
Urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to support the Jake Schwab Worker’s Safety Bill, House Bill 1082 and Senate Bill 464.
WHEREAS, The majority of private sector workers in the United States are covered by health and safety regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA); and
Whereas, The number of workers killed on the job in the United States has declined from approximately 14,000 in 1970, when OSHA was created, to 4,674 in 2009, despite the fact that overall employment more than doubled during that period; and
Whereas, Local and state government employees, including those in the City of Philadelphia, are generally not covered by OSHA, even though they perform similar job functions and are exposed to similar risks as private-sector employees; and
Whereas, The Jake Schwab Worker’s Safety Bill would extend protections similar to those provided for under OSHA to local and state government employees in Pennsylvania, at no or minimal cost to local governments; and
Whereas, Jake Schwab had worked as a mechanic for the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority for 27 years when he was killed on the job by an exploding air bag; and
Whereas, At the time of his death, Mr. Schwab was working on an unfamiliar bus from another agency, using tools that were inappropriate for the job because the proper tools were not available, and there had been no safety training is his garage for over 9 years; and
Whereas, Mr. Schwab’s death did not even warrant an OSHA investigation because he was a public employee; and
Whereas, If Mr. Schwab had been covered by OSHA, health and safety regulations may have prevented his untimely death; and
Whereas, Preventable deaths like Mr. Schwab’s are particularly tragic, especially for the loved ones they leave behind; and
Whereas, The public servants who have dedicated their careers to this community deserve the same health protections as their colleagues in the private sector; now
Therefore be it resolved, The City Council of Philadelphia urges the Pennsylvania General Assembly to support the Jake Schwab Worker’s Safety Bill, House Bill 1082 and Senate Bill 464
by Vati | Jul 23, 2019 | Blog, DC Locals, Featured, Local 1723, Local 1739, Local 2186, Local 2187, Local 3397, Local 590, Local 752, Local 810, PEOPLE Updates, President's Message, Retirees
Public service workers in Philadelphia, PA and across the country submitted questions for 2020
presidential candidates. Now, on Saturday, August 3, we want to know if you want to gather to hear candidates’ responses at a local watch party of the Public Service Forum hosted by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) and moderated by HuffPost.
Eighteen presidential candidates are expected, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Sen. Cory
Booker, Gov. Steve Bullock, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former HUD Secretary Julián Castro, Mayor Bill de
Blasio, former Rep. John Delaney, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Kamala Harris, Gov. Jay Inslee, Sen. Amy
Klobuchar, Rep. Seth Moulton, former Rep. Beto O’Rourke, Rep. Tim Ryan, Sen. Bernie Sanders, business
leader and philanthropist Tom Steyer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and author Marianne Williamson.
This forum will give candidates the opportunity to speak directly with America’s public service workers
who will make their voices heard in this election. As they dedicate their lives to making our communities
stronger, safer and healthier, they have a unique perspective into solving the problems Americans face
every day.
So, how about attending or sponsoring a watch party at noon on August 3 for this event.
Call DC 47 VP Ethelind Baylor at 215-893-3761 for more information.