Metro Philadelphia Labor Power Players

Julie Daloisio is the president of CWA Local 13500, a communications and media labor union. It is a Pennsylvania statewide affiliate of the Communications Workers of America, which represents about 700,000 members in the public and private sectors. 

Dave Daquelente is the executive director of the Master Builders Association of Western Pennsylvania, an association with 240 members, which include the top construction managers, general and specialty contractors, and service and supplier companies in the region. Dave was originally an apprentice for construction with the Carpenters. He has most recently served as the executive director of the Ironworker Employers Association of Western Pennsylvania. His responsibilities include ensuring financial integrity within the association, that the association remains a leader in the construction industry, and that their standards of quality and safety are remarkable. 

James Darby is the chairman of the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board. Previously, he served as a member of the board from 2005 until 2014. James became a full time arbitrator in 2005, and before that had nearly 20 years of experience in the labor and employment fields representing management and labor. He has also been the owner of James M. Darby, Esq., Arbitrator & Mediator since 2005. 

Nancy Dischinat, executive director of Workforce Board Lehigh Valley, spans 30 years of workforce development experience. Nancy’s leadership transitioned Lehigh Valley’s workforce program, under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, to an innovative workforce system through PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley, by increasing the region’s understanding of the employment market, career pathways, skill requirements, training options, and labor availability.  By aligning workforce and economic development, education, and community, the Lehigh Valley ensures a trained, talented pipeline of labor to meet business and industry needs. 

John Dodds is the director of the Philadelphia Unemployment Project. The organization dates back to 1975, and since then has helped organize the poor and the unemployed to create changes that would benefit these people. The Philadelphia Unemployment Project has also helped the unemployed join together with coalition partners in the religious, labor, civil rights, community, and women’s movements. 

Nina Esposito-Visgitis is the president of the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers. When she was elected to this position in 2011, she moved to restructure the union’s budgetary system and staff organization, which ultimately helped PFT members save thousands per year as well as making the union’s budget process more efficient and transparent. She has also helped better communications with members by initiating the weekly ‘Nina’s Notes’ and the ‘Tuesday Blast,’ a texting program. In 2020, Nina was appointed to the Penn State University Labor Steering Committee. 

Craig Ford was appointed secretary-treasurer of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees District 1199J in 2010. He was previously the vice president of 1199J, and has also been elected as the national secretary to the executive board of National Union of Hospital and Healthcare Employees (NUHHCE), AFSCME, AFL-CIO. His involvement with NUHHCE dates back to 1992, when he became a national organizer for the union, and by 1994, he was assigned to District 1199C of Philadelphia. Here, he worked as an administrative organizer, and then worked as a trustee to the Legal Service Fund, Training Fund, Benefit Fund and Pension Fund of District 1199C. 

Lynne Fox has been the international president of Workers United since 2016. She oversees more than 86,000 members in North America. She has been the manager of the Philadelphia Joint Board for more than 15 years. She serves as the chairperson for the Board of Amalgamated Bank, Amalgamated National Health Fund, Amalgamated Life Insurance Company, and the National Retirement Fund. She’s a vice president of SEIU. A Philadelphia native, she was raised in the labor movement and has committed her life’s work to fighting for justice and fairness for all.

What sector does your union service (healthcare, construction, etc.)?
Workers United represents workers in the apparel, industrial laundry, distribution, food services, non-profits, manufacturing and fitness sectors.

What are the benefits that unions (your particular union, if applicable) offer their members?
We have been fierce advocates for the working class for more than 100 years. Workers United believes livable wages, healthcare, and workplace health and safety are basic rights of every worker.

What brought you to organizing and/or the issue of worker advocacy?
We carry on the legacy of our predecessor unions – ACWU, ILGWU, and ACTWU; along with many others. From the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911 to the JP Stevens Strike, to the Cannon Mills struggles, we’ve always advocated for worker rights.

How will Pennsylvania’s labor force evolve in the next five years?
As workers try to build a middle class that replaces the former manufacturing sector that moved offshore, we will see a growth in the service industry. People need sustainable, living wage jobs to stay in PA and to raise their families.

What kind of impact does organized labor have on local communities?
Workers United places great value on a worker centric model of organizing. Workers want a voice in their work life, as supported by the Union.

Chekemma is an energetic thought-leader focused on promoting equity and dismantling poverty for youth and young adults. As president and CEO of PYN, she draws on her experience in research, social work, and systems change. Her leadership and work have helped create over 225,000 education and employment opportunities for young people. Chekemma sits on the Board of the Community College of Philadelphia and the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board and chairs the Youth Committee of both.

What brought you to organizing and/or the issue of worker advocacy?
The future of work is in the hands of the young people we serve. PYN is actively preparing the future workforce because we believe in their skills and know the value of diverse talent. We work hard to create opportunities that prepare and empower youth.

How will Pennsylvania’s labor force evolve in the next five years?
The trend we see is disruption and adaptation. If we don’t ensure adequate academic and workforce training, we can expect an even greater workforce shortage than we are experiencing with the “Great Resignation.”

James Gardler joined the Communications Workers of America in 1992, and was then elected as Eastern region vice president for Local 13000 in 2005. He has served as the president of Communications Workers of America Local 13000 since 2008. James is responsible for preserving the 22 contracts of Local 13000. Finally, he is also secretary-treasurer of the Philadelphia AFL-CIO, and assumed this position in 2014.