Philadelphia, PA, October 30, 2024 – On Saturday, October 26 the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters Union) hosted a “Statewide Get Out the Vote Day of Action” for union-endorsed candidates. The Day of Action took place at six locations, led by speaking programs that included Senator Bob Casey and Pennsylvania Attorney General Candidate Eugene DePasquale in Philadelphia, and District 17 Congressman Chris Deluzio in Pittsburgh. The rally was livestreamed between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, as well as to Pennsylvania carpenters in Lebanon, Scranton, Duncansville, and Erie.

“The 2024 Pennsylvania Day of Action marked a significant milestone for our union,” said William C. Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the EAS Carpenters Union. “Building on the momentum from 2022, we are more committed than ever to ensuring that carpenters across Pennsylvania are heard at the polls. This gathering, featuring speeches from elected officials and union leaders, united us for the most crucial cause — protecting our livelihoods and securing our future.”

To show their support for the Day of Action, Mayor of Philadelphia Cherelle L. Parker, New York State Attorney General Letitia James and Pennsylvania General Assembly Speaker Joanna E. McClinton attended the event in Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa, Mayor of Pittsburgh Ed Gainey, and Pennsylvania State Representative Nick Pisciottano attended the event in Pittsburgh. Adding to the day’s impact, messages from General President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Douglas J. McCarron, Vice President of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters for the Eastern District William Waterkotte, PA Representative Brian K. Fitzpatrick, and the Harris-Walz campaign were broadcasted, reinforcing the call to action.

Below are statements from several endorsed candidates and elected officials who are dedicated to advocating for labor rights and the betterment of our community:

• “I want to thank you for your help and your support. The dignity of your work, the skill you bring to the work site everyday to build a stronger Commonwealth and a stronger county. Your work allows us to have a strong economy,” said Senator Casey. “To the Carpenters all across Pennsylvania and across the country, you have been helping me for years and I am going to continue to work on your behalf. And that means fighting battles against those who are trying to take away the right to organize.”
• “Last weekends Day of Action was so powerful to be part of. Everything is on the line for working families this year, and they know it,” said Pennsylvania Attorney General Candidate Eugene DePasquale. “The right to organize, make a living, safe working conditions, protection from wage theft and misclassification, and an end to greedflation are on the ballot. I’ve been honored to have been supported by labor in my campaign for Attorney General, and these issues are top of mind and agenda for me as the next people’s lawyer.”
• “On this Day of Action and in so many other ways, the Carpenters and the men and women of labor in Western PA are putting in the work this election. I know that standing together we are going to send more pro-worker candidates like me down to Washington and over to Harrisburg,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “I am honored to be the labor candidate in my race this election, and I will always stand shoulder to shoulder with workers to defend the union way of life.”
• “With so much on the line this election, I was honored to serve as the keynote speaker for the EAS Carpenters Statewide Day of Action,” said Mayor of Philadelphia Cherelle L. Parker. “I am living proof of the EAS Carpenters’ ability to organize, their ability to get out the vote, and their ability to win! Today’s event showed that they are stronger than ever, and ready to take their message to the people!”
• “There is so much at stake in this election, and it’s imperative that we get out the vote across Pennsylvania for candidates who support labor, hardworking families, and our basic rights,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “Thanks to the incredible leadership and membership of the EAS Carpenters Union, thousands of people are out today across the state to mobilize voters and get them out to elect Vice President Harris, Senator Casey, and Eugene DePasquale for Attorney General. Over the next week, we must do everything in our power to protect our families, our values and ensure we continue to move forward.”
• “I’m committed to ensuring that the next generation has access to quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and good jobs with a fair day’s pay,” expressed Pennsylvania State Representative Nick Pisciottano. “Saturday’s event underscored how crucial it is to vote for union-backed candidates this election to safeguard our communities here in PA and across the nation.”
• “It was an honor to attend the EAS Carpenters Union’s Statewide Day of Action and see firsthand how members are actively supporting their communities this election,” stated Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa. “Not all candidates in this year’s election believe that union workers are the backbone of our nation. It’s more important than ever for members to use their votes to support candidates who champion the communities they work and live in.”
• “Pittsburgh has always been and always will be a union city,” declared Mayor of Pittsburgh Ed Gainey. “Now more than ever, we need union labor to rebuild our city’s extensive infrastructure network. But first, we need to back candidates who have a proven track record of investing in this country’s infrastructure and the people who are ready to get the job done.”

The candidates headlined a speakers’ program for the Day of Action, leading to a statewide phone banking effort to contact 5,000 Pennsylvania carpenters. If you want to learn more about the candidates the EAS Carpenters Union is endorsing, please visit the pro-labor interactive candidate tool at https://eascarpenters.org/gotv/

About The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters

The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters is a labor union that develops, trains, and empowers the hardworking men and women of the skilled construction trades. The EAS Carpenters Union has a strong presence in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia, overseeing 25 local unions representing over 42,000 professional construction craftsmen and women.