{"id":55486,"date":"2017-12-07T18:30:27","date_gmt":"2017-12-07T23:30:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=55486"},"modified":"2017-12-07T19:02:26","modified_gmt":"2017-12-08T00:02:26","slug":"united-way-recommits-partnership-organized-labor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=55486","title":{"rendered":"United Way Recommits Partnership with Organized Labor"},"content":{"rendered":"

 
\nUnited Way Recommits Partnership with Organized Labor<\/strong><\/p>\n

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Labor Partner Together for Lehigh Valley Working Families<\/p>\n

December 6, 2017, Allentown, PA – With their latest labor liaison hire, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is recommitting itself to working families across our region.\u00a0 Daniella De Leon, an influential union leader with a proven record of impact, will continue her impassioned devotion to local union workers and their families as newly appointed Director of Labor Relations for United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV).<\/p>\n

\u201cI will always advocate for social and economic justice and work to make our community better for all people,\u201d remarked Ms. De Leon.\u00a0 \u201cI look forward to carrying on this important partnership, setting the tone for the organization\u2019s next century.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ms. De Leon, a Lehigh Valley native, was raised in a neighborhood served by UWGLV.\u00a0 In many ways, she is a product of United Way programs.\u00a0 Educated in a United Way Community School, Ms. DeLeon went on to graduate from Muhlenberg College and earn the respect of her fellow AFL-CIO constituents and the community.\u00a0 Ms. De Leon\u2019s selection was determined by a well-rounded committee consisting of eight members of the Lehigh Valley Labor Council, each from diverse union backgrounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cDaniella\u2019s appointment was unanimous,\u201d said John Werkheiser, UFCW Local 1776 and UWGLV board member.\u00a0 \u201cAlong with her unwavering dedication to the Lehigh Valley, she is saavy, well-respected, and energetic.\u00a0 I believe she will command the role and take labor relations in our region to a new level.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Long-Standing Relationship<\/strong><\/p>\n

United Way and the labor movement share a history of partnership dating back to World War II. More than seven decades ago, Community Chests and Councils Inc. (now United Way Worldwide) connected to unions and their members through the United Nations Relief Committee of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the National Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) Committee for American and Allied War Relief.\u00a0 The aim was to join United Way, labor, and health and welfare agencies in a cooperative, community effort to bring services and people together. As a result, labor liaison positions were established on the staffs of local Community Chests.<\/p>\n

Since then, millions of union members have become part of the United Way family through countless volunteer hours, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually and making other significant contributions.\u00a0 Organized labor is a full partner in United Way, as witnessed by the 156 AFL-CIO Community Services liaisons currently serving on the staff of United Ways throughout the country.\u00a0 Along with volunteering, representatives of unions are members of the Board of Directors, serve on year round committees, participate in annual United Way campaigns, and communicate to union members the importance of the campaign and the agencies involved.<\/p>\n

\u201cUnited Way is proud of our long-standing relationship with organized labor,\u201d remarked David Lewis, President of UWGLV.\u00a0 \u201cI see a bright future for workers in the Valley with Daniella on their side.\u201d<\/p>\n

UWGLV is celebrating 100 years of impact this year.\u00a0 Honored as a United Way Center of Excellence, UWGLV is poised to enter the next century as a community leader making significant strides in the areas of Education, Aging, and Food Access.\u00a0 The unique bond the organization maintains with local labor is vitally important to the success of the region.<\/p>\n

In the Lehigh Valley, there are 54,000 active members of organized labor. Their donations have amounted to\u00a0 more than $1M to United Way last year alone.\u00a0 Companies represented include: PPL, Just Born, Marcon & Boyer, Alvin H Butz, UPS, Talen Energy, Victaulic, Follett, Mack Trucks, UGI, Georgia Pacific, and AT&T.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe availability of trained workers is now the number one factor driving company locations,\u201d said Don Cunningham, President & CEO, Lehigh Valley Economic Development.\u00a0 \u201cUnited Way has long been a strong partner in helping advance economic growth in the Lehigh Valley, and filling this important position will be another step in providing crucial support and opportunities to organized labor and the Lehigh Valley workforce.\u201d<\/p>\n

Impacting Lehigh Valley\u2019s Future<\/strong><\/p>\n

As Director of Labor Relations, Daniella will work closely with local labor and industry.<\/p>\n

Labor has a strong commitment to their communities and local members volunteer en masse, working closely with many of the UWGLV partner agencies.\u00a0 United Way is a connector and facilitator \u2013 all those seeking to lend a hand in support are invited to participate and unite to make a difference in the community.<\/p>\n

UWGLV and the local AFL-CIO has a unique partnership that supports community service projects designed and approved by teens in our community.\u00a0 TeenWorks\u2122\u00a0 is a United Way\u00a0 affinity council that is completely funded by Labor.\u00a0 Up to twenty union members and up to twenty teens join together to review applications and allocate funding.\u00a0 To date, TeenWorks\u2122 has funded over 450 projects with dollars exceeding $500,000 through United Way workplace campaign donations.<\/p>\n

The scope of Ms. De Leon\u2019s responsibilities also include, in the event of employee layoffs or plant shutdown, providing assistance with social services; for example, 2-1-1, education, and healthcare navigation.\u00a0 United Way liaisons also lend support with Trade Adjustment Assistance if workers are displaced by import competition and offshore outsourcing.\u00a0 Ms. DeLeon will also be an important source for labor information and referral services.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n

The mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community.\u00a0 We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley. www.UnitedWayGLV.org<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Information provided to TVL by:
\nTina Hasselbusch
\nwww.socialTmarketing.com<\/p>\n

Press Release By:
\nMarci Ronald-Lesko
\nExecutive Vice President
\nUnited Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley<\/p>\n

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