(Pittsburgh, Pa.) — Senators Lindsey M. Williams, Jay Costa, and Vincent J. Hughes, joined by local elected officials, Allegheny County Labor Council members, and a crowd of union workers, announced the introduction of the Workplace Freedom Act today at the Allegheny County Courthouse.

The Workplace Freedom Act legislation protects Pennsylvania workers by strengthening collective bargaining in two ways. First, it eliminates the requirement for a two-tiered election process by allowing for a simple card check where expressing majority support would be sufficient. Second, it requires access to certified unions to new employees so that union membership benefits can be clearly explained.

“I get really fired up when someone says ‘I’m not anti-union. I love those building trades. I just don’t like public sector unions,’” said Senator Williams. “But that isn’t how being pro-union works. First, an injury to one is an injury to all. Second, the statement that ‘I don’t like public sector unions’ vastly discounts the wide variety of public sector workers represented by unions, including our firefighters, 911 operators, police officers, Fish and Boat Commission officers, and even public works employees, electricians, and carpenters at government agencies across the Commonwealth.”

“Unions have long helped workers earn better wages, health care, safety and retirement benefits, which is why we want to ensure unions can continue to work for future members,” Sen. Hughes said. “Pennsylvania workers have seen their greatest gains through the negotiating power of the unions and will not tolerate further erosion of these critical institutions that put worker benefits first.”

“It’s time for elected officials to take a stand,” said Senator Costa. “Working families need elected leaders to stand up to attacks on union rights, and instead create more opportunities for Pennsylvanians to have the freedom to join and form unions. That’s why I’m signing on to the PA Workforce Freedom Act.”
Representative Dan Miller also spoke at the press conference, as well as SEIU members Caitlin Schroering, Pitt Graduate Student Organizing Committee and fourth year Ph.D. candidate; Nick Theis, UPMC Worker Organizing Committee and Medical Researcher at UPMC; Pam Johnston, SEIU 32BJ Executive Board Member and building cleaner at the University of Pittsburgh; and Wanda Smith, SEIU 668 Chapter Chair and supervisor at the Allegheny County Assistance Office.

The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has announced its new incoming officers for 2019. Samuel Huston, Huntington Bank Business Banking Area Manager, S.V.P., will become the new Chairperson of the Board and lead the Executive Committee. Helen Kissick, owner of Free Spirit Consulting will serve as the new Vice-Chair of the Board. David Wytiaz, Beaver County Career and Technology Center Administrative Director will serve as Treasurer, and Brittney Golden, Home2Suites Sales Manager will serve as Acting Secretary. In Accordance with the By-Laws, this will be their first one-year term that will expire in March of 2020. In addition to these positions, the Executive Committee will be comprised of Immediate Past Chair, Craig Pritts, Sales Executive for JRG Advisors, and Two At Large Board Representatives, Alison Hutchins, Owner and Interior Designer at Hutch and Home; and Valerie McElvy, Franklin Center of Beaver County Program Director. These are also one-year terms expiring in March of 2020. The Chamber is also adding one new member and re-appointing one current board member with terms effective April 1, 2018. Accepting a new three-year term is:  John Feraco – NOVA Chemicals Inc., Monaca. Reappointed for their second three-year terms is:  Robert Terwilliger – Heritage Valley Health System Foundation – Beaver.

To see a full roster of the Chamber Board and Executive Committee members please visit their website at www.bcchamber.com or contact them at (724) 775.3944.

Republican Sens. Mitt Romney and Sen. Lamar Alexander have endorsed a resolution passed by the Democratic-controlled House to block President Donald Trump from using emergency powers to fund his long-promised U.S.-Mexico border wall. That brings to seven the number of Republicans who have announced they will cross Trump on a vote expected for Thursday afternoon, ensuring the measure will pass.

A police vehicle was involved in a crash this morning in Aliquippa, sending a city cop to the hospital. Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano reports…Click on ‘play’ to hear Sandy’s report…

“Thank you Pittsburgh.”

That’s what a billboard at the Boulevard of the Allies and Grant Street from Antonio Brown read as it was unveiled Wednesday as Brown was across the country being introduced as an Oakland Raider. Brown, late for the news conference, was asked if he had any regrets about how things ended in Pittsburgh. Brown said… “Pittsburgh will always be my family” He also said…”I know Steeler nation is having a bad day today, but it’s always love.”