Thank you from Justice-elect Dan McCaffery

I am honored and overwhelmed by the encouragement that I received from across the Commonwealth. I have served in many different capacities – in the military, as an attorney, a prosecutor, and then a judge. Now, I am looking forward to serving once again as a Supreme Court Justice.

Over the last year, I have visited every corner of Pennsylvania and met voters of all backgrounds. I have worked to show that I am a judge who will defend and obey the Constitution and protect our rights and liberties. I am truly humbled by the responsibility that the people of Pennsylvania have bestowed upon me and I look forward to working on their behalf.

Thank you for your incredible generosity. I look forward to serving on our Supreme Court.

Gratefully,

Justice-elect Dan McCaffery

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO 2024 Scholarship Essay Contest

November 17, 2023

Dear Sisters and Brothers:

The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO is pleased to announce its 2024 Scholarship Essay Contest. We thank affiliate unions that have contributed to the award money for the Scholarship Essay Contests, in the past. Now we are writing to request your financial support and your help in promoting the 2024 Essay Contest.

The Essay Contest provides an opportunity for high school and post-secondary students to learn about the Labor Movement’s important contributions to the social, economic, and political development of our county. It also reminds students – the next generation of workers – about the importance of protecting the Labor Movement’s gains, for their own wellbeing in current and future workplaces.

Awards are offered to students in two categories: Graduating High School Seniors (class of 2024) and All Post Secondary Students. The award amounts are: First Place – $2,000, Second Place – $1,500, Third Place – $1,000.

The essay topics for each category are as follows:

Category I – Graduating High School Seniors:

What has COVID revealed about the division of labor in our country and what we constitute as essential workers?

Category II – Students Attending an Accredited, Post-Secondary Institution:

How would a $15 minimum wage impact different parts of our economy? You may consider the impact on low wage workers, on families, on small businesses, on large corporations, and on the government.

If you post this information on your website, please note that the scholarships are only awarded to Pennsylvania AFL-CIO affiliated union members and their immediate family members. All submissions must be postmarked by March 29, 2024. Essays will be judged in April 2024, and awards will be made in May 2024.

Click here for a Scholarship Application form for distribution to your members. You may make copies of this form.

If your union affiliate can contribute to the award money, please make your check payable to the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and mail it to: PA AFL-CIO, Attention: George Piasecki, III, Secretary-Treasurer, 600 North Second St., Harrisburg, PA 17101.

Thank you for your support of the Scholarship Essay Contest, whether it be monetarily, helping to publicize it, or both.

Villanova and Unions: Rejection or Celebration?

Last Monday night, a packed crowd gathered to celebrate Chris Smalls, this year’s honoree for the Center for Peace and Justice’s Adela Dwyer – St. Thomas of Villanova Peace Award. Smalls has become an American household name due to his groundbreaking work as the founder and president of Amazon Labor Union, the first Amazon union in the United States.

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