EIGHTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT, PA — On Saturday, April 5, Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) held a roundtable in Northeastern Pennsylvania with U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer to discuss how unions and businesses can work hand in hand to protect American workers and achieve economic success.

Before the roundtable, Bresnahan and Chavez-DeRemer sat down with labor leadership before taking a tour of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 163 JATC. This facility allows apprentices to learn the on-the-job skills needed to become highly skilled electricians, investing in the next generation workforce. At the same time, they are earning a living wage while working at a job site under experienced journeymen. As the former Chairman for this JATC,  Bresnahan was excited to be a part of advancements and expansions to the facility and curriculum.

“It is crucial we have the skilled trade workforces needed to carry out essential infrastructure projects like rebuilding our roads and bridges, modernizing our electric grid, and implementing high-speed internet,” said Bresnahan. “These strong workforces would not be possible without apprenticeships. I want to thank Secretary Chavez-DeRemer for joining us and for making Northeastern Pennsylvania the first stop on her listening tour. I look forward to continuing this collaborative partnership with the Secretary and labor leaders to protect and prioritize American workers.”

“From strengthening educational pathways for good-paying jobs to eliminating burdensome regulations that will drive economic growth, I enjoyed learning first-hand what workers in Northeastern Pennsylvania need to thrive,” said Chavez-DeRemer. “Thank you to Congressman Bresnahan for hosting me for this productive roundtable – I look forward to continuing our partnership as we fight to amplify the voices of forgotten workers who’ve been left behind by Washington.”

Bresnahan and Chavez-DeRemer were joined by Warren Faust, Northeast PA Building Trades, President; John Olejnik, IBEW Local 163, Business Manager; Kris Anderson, IBEW, International Representative; John Nadolny, IBEW Local 163, Training Director (Tour Guide); Representative Dane Watro, PA 116th Legislative District; Representative Alec Ryncavage, PA 119th Legislative District; Chris Darrow, IBEW Local 1319, Union Representative; Bobby Scott, IBEW Local 1319, NEAT Apprenticeship Coordinator; BJ Cryder, Boilermakers Local 13, President; Tom Calpin, Ironworkers Local 404, Business Agent; Danny O’Neill, PPL, Senior Federal Affairs Specialist, and Daniel Clarkson, Local 445, Carpenters & Joiners of America VP.