Governor Josh Shapiro stopped in Luzerne County Tuesday to help bolster the area’s unions and trade workers.
LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — “As Pennsylvanians, we’re taught a hard work ethic that comes with hard coal country. And Local 44 helped me harness that,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.
It’s union halls like SMART Sheet Metal Workers Local 44 near Wilkes-Barre that build our communities and allow homegrown tin knockers like AJ Bonk to achieve the American dream.
“Because of Local 44, my wife and I were able to buy our first home. We’ve had access to great healthcare, education and a sustainable avenue to a secure retirement. This union provides me with stability and opportunity,” said AJ Bonk, Smart Sheet Metal Workers’ Local Union 44.
It’s stories like Bonks that continue to inspire Governor Josh Shapiro.
In his past two state budgets, the governor provided an additional $61 million for career and technical education, guiding kids toward the trades early.
So far, …