Metro Philadelphia Labor Power Players

Ryan Boyer, business manager of Laborers’ District Council of Metropolitan Philadelphia and Vicinity, represents over 6,200 members in four locals, based in Philadelphia, Chester, and Norristown. He was previously the president of the Building Trades Council. He is also the first Black business manager of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council. 

Kevin Christopher Boyle was born to Irish American parents on August 23, 1964. His father, Gerard (Gerry), worked as a salesperson for distributors of vending machine and arcade game products for over forty years before settling into retirement sixteen years ago; his mother, Margaret, a devoted wife, homemaker, and matriarch dedicated her life to raising their nine children in a modest rowhome located in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia.

 In true neighborhood fashion, he attended St. John the Baptist Grade School then moved onto the renowned Roman Catholic High School for Boys in the heart of Center City Philadelphia. Kevin was successful academically and socially but found his true passion in athletics playing both baseball and football for his grade school and high school where he received multiple awards and accolades for his performance and leadership on the field including the prestigious Most Valuable Player in the Catholic League South in his senior year at Roman. After leaving high school he made it a priority to give back to his community by donating his time and talents as a coach for Roman and to this day engages in service projects for both his alma mater and various neighborhood organizations. Kevin has been married to his high school sweetheart, Janet, for 34 years; they have two devoted and successful children, Liam and Teghan. Teghan and her husband Chris blessed Kevin and Janet with their first grandchild, a beautiful baby girl, Lana, in 2021.

Kevin began his career with Ironworkers’ Local Union 401 in October of 1987 when he entered the Ironworkers’ Local 401 Apprenticeship Program where he was immediately recognized as a self-starter by learning and mastering all facets of his trade. He earned the respect of his brother ironworkers and employers alike with his tireless work ethic and dedication to his craft. These attributes have been the driving forces in his success; acting as steward, foreman and general foreman for multiple projects large and small across Philadelphia and its suburbs. He then set his sights on being a voice for his brothers in the Executive Branch of Local 401. Kevin, elected recording secretary in June of 2011 and then appointed to business representative in February of 2014, went on to secure the top office of financial secretary, treasurer/business manager in 2017 and has held his position since then. He further serves Local 401 as a trustee, overseeing Annuity, Vacation, Apprenticeship, and Supplemental Welfare Funds; he also serves on the Board for IWAP (Injured Workers Assistance Program). In addition to his duties at his home local, Kevin also sits on the Board for the Ironworkers’ District Council of Philadelphia and Vicinity Health and Pension Fund where he can be a voice for the growth and viability of essential healthcare and retirement benefits for his members, something he is extremely passionate about.

 Kevin dedicates each day to expanding organized labor’s vision and takes pride in collaborating with his peers in the Union community as well as legislators on city, state, and federal levels to procure legislation that supports labor and industry and protects the rights of workers. As a labor leader, Kevin also sets an example to take one’s civic duty seriously, he remains committed to taking part in various community service projects and generously donates manpower and/or funding to various charities and youth organizations. He continues to concentrate his efforts and devote his time to make a positive impact on organized labor, the union ironworking industry, the community, and the lives of his members and their families every day.

Local 449 Business Manager Kenneth Broadbent has been a member of his local union and the UA for more than 45 years, beginning with his five year apprenticeship in his local’s training program. Since 2007 and while continuing to serve the Local 449 membership as business manager, Kenneth also represents UA members as vice president for District 2, encompassing Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. 

William Brooks is the business manager of Local 373. He has been a member since 1988, and was appointed business manager in 2009, then re-elected in 2021. The union represents more than 2,000 workers in the construction industry. It is also affiliated with the Laborers’ District Council of Western Pennsylvania, the local, state, and national Building Trades, and with AFL-CIO. William is also chairman of the Pittsburgh Building Trades Organizing Committee. 

Romeo Carsello is the president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local 158, which represents more than 4,000 people in the city of philadelphia. The members of Local 158 work on all kinds of projects, including single residential homes to colleges to high-rises. 

Robert Cherry is chief executive officer at Partner4Work, the leader of the public workforce system for Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. As CEO, he is responsible for Partner4Work’s strong momentum to drive workforce development activities, a vital component of the region’s overall economic vitality. Robert is building successful partnerships, innovating new ideas, and piloting strategic solutions that will continue growth and connect the workforce with the jobs of today and in the future.

Candace Chewning is the director of the Office of Worker Protection for the Philadelphia Department of Labor. The goal of the Department of Labor is to build partnerships between labor organizations that represent city employees and management. It also helps oversee matters that are associated with the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity. Finally, they also handle the negotiations between City management and City unions.

Benjamin Connors, Esq., became president and CEO of the General Building Contractors Association in 2015. He joined the association in 2014, and since then has used his knowledge in labor relations to lead the growth of the organization. His responsibilities include serving as a trustee for union benefits and training funds. Ben is also a board member of the ACE Mentor Program, the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia, and the Associated General Contractors of America’s Executive Leadership Committee. 

Dr. Robin Cooper was elected president of Teamsters Local 502, Commonwealth Association of School Administrators in 2016 after a contentious battle for the presidency. In winning the election, Robin became the first African American president, the first female president, and the first female African American president. 

What sector does your union service (healthcare, construction, etc.)?
Public Sector – Education.

What are the benefits that unions (your particular union, if applicable) offer their members?
We offer steady wage and bonus increases; comprehensive health plans including dental and vision coverage; $45,000 life insurance at no charge; legal protection programs through the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for under $300.00 per year.

What brought you to organizing and/or the issue of worker advocacy?
Administrators’ voices were not being heard, we were paying dues but there was no advocacy for administrators because we were viewed as being management.

How will Pennsylvania’s labor force evolve in the next five years?
The labor force will become more unionized especially because of the economic parallels that exist. Also, the national movement of organizing workers is creating an easier path to worker representation.

What kind of impact does organized labor have on local communities?
It has a positive impact due to the spending power of the organizing worker. In addition, organized workers pay more taxes due to higher salaries, and there is an increase in home ownership. Translation: The stronger the union the stronger the community.

Charles “Chuck” Curley is the managing partner of Curley & Rothman, LLC. He has been practicing his specialty, employment law, for 25 years, and practices in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. He is also in charge of overseeing each of the cases handled by his practice from beginning to end, and always places his clients’ best interests first. Furthermore, Chuck also provides employment-related training as well as informational seminars for his clients.