United Way Recommits Partnership with Organized Labor
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Labor Partner Together for Lehigh Valley Working Families
December 6, 2017, Allentown, PA – With their latest labor liaison hire, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is recommitting itself to working families across our region. Daniella De Leon, an influential union leader with a proven record of impact, will continue her impassioned devotion to local union workers and their families as newly appointed Director of Labor Relations for United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV).
“I will always advocate for social and economic justice and work to make our community better for all people,” remarked Ms. De Leon. “I look forward to carrying on this important partnership, setting the tone for the organization’s next century.”
Ms. De Leon, a Lehigh Valley native, was raised in a neighborhood served by UWGLV. In many ways, she is a product of United Way programs. Educated in a United Way Community School, Ms. DeLeon went on to graduate from Muhlenberg College and earn the respect of her fellow AFL-CIO constituents and the community. Ms. De Leon’s selection was determined by a well-rounded committee consisting of eight members of the Lehigh Valley Labor Council, each from diverse union backgrounds.
“Daniella’s appointment was unanimous,” said John Werkheiser, UFCW Local 1776 and UWGLV board member. “Along with her unwavering dedication to the Lehigh Valley, she is saavy, well-respected, and energetic. I believe she will command the role and take labor relations in our region to a new level.”
A Long-Standing Relationship
United Way and the labor movement share a history of partnership dating back to World War II. More than seven decades ago, Community Chests and Councils Inc. (now United Way Worldwide) connected to unions and their members through the United Nations Relief Committee of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the National Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) Committee for American and Allied War Relief. The aim was to join United Way, labor, and health and welfare agencies in a cooperative, community effort to bring services and people together. As a result, labor liaison positions were established on the staffs of local Community Chests.
Since then, millions of union members have become part of the United Way family through countless volunteer hours, contributing hundreds of millions of dollars annually and making other significant contributions. Organized labor is a full partner in United Way, as witnessed by the 156 AFL-CIO Community Services liaisons currently serving on the staff of United Ways throughout the country. Along with volunteering, representatives of unions are members of the Board of Directors, serve on year round committees, participate in annual United Way campaigns, and communicate to union members the importance of the campaign and the agencies involved.
“United Way is proud of our long-standing relationship with organized labor,” remarked David Lewis, President of UWGLV. “I see a bright future for workers in the Valley with Daniella on their side.”
UWGLV is celebrating 100 years of impact this year. Honored as a United Way Center of Excellence, UWGLV is poised to enter the next century as a community leader making significant strides in the areas of Education, Aging, and Food Access. The unique bond the organization maintains with local labor is vitally important to the success of the region.
In the Lehigh Valley, there are 54,000 active members of organized labor. Their donations have amounted to more than $1M to United Way last year alone. Companies represented include: PPL, Just Born, Marcon & Boyer, Alvin H Butz, UPS, Talen Energy, Victaulic, Follett, Mack Trucks, UGI, Georgia Pacific, and AT&T.
“The availability of trained workers is now the number one factor driving company locations,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO, Lehigh Valley Economic Development. “United Way has long been a strong partner in helping advance economic growth in the Lehigh Valley, and filling this important position will be another step in providing crucial support and opportunities to organized labor and the Lehigh Valley workforce.”
Impacting Lehigh Valley’s Future
As Director of Labor Relations, Daniella will work closely with local labor and industry.
Labor has a strong commitment to their communities and local members volunteer en masse, working closely with many of the UWGLV partner agencies. United Way is a connector and facilitator – all those seeking to lend a hand in support are invited to participate and unite to make a difference in the community.
UWGLV and the local AFL-CIO has a unique partnership that supports community service projects designed and approved by teens in our community. TeenWorks™ is a United Way affinity council that is completely funded by Labor. Up to twenty union members and up to twenty teens join together to review applications and allocate funding. To date, TeenWorks™ has funded over 450 projects with dollars exceeding $500,000 through United Way workplace campaign donations.
The scope of Ms. De Leon’s responsibilities also include, in the event of employee layoffs or plant shutdown, providing assistance with social services; for example, 2-1-1, education, and healthcare navigation. United Way liaisons also lend support with Trade Adjustment Assistance if workers are displaced by import competition and offshore outsourcing. Ms. DeLeon will also be an important source for labor information and referral services.
Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
The mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community. We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley. www.UnitedWayGLV.org
Information provided to TVL by:
Tina Hasselbusch
www.socialTmarketing.com
Press Release By:
Marci Ronald-Lesko
Executive Vice President
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
