Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey Visits SMWIA Local 19 Joint Aprenticeship & Training Center

September 10, 2010—PILMA, in conjunction with We Work For Health, co-sponsored a September 10th visit by Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey to Sheet Metal Workers Local 19 Joint Apprenticeship & Training Center in Philadelphia. The session showcased the strategic partnership between the biotechnology industry and labor for some 35 biotech professionals and representatives from PILMA’s labor and industry partners—including SMWIA, GlaxoSmithKline, Endo Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer.

This was the first of several planned site visits to familiarize industry officials with the skill levels and training that various union craft workers bring to specialized construction challenges in the biotechnology industry.

“I applaud PILMA for a partnership that is a win for workers and industry. This type of training and cooperation can be an inspiration to policymakers. Giving workers the skills that employers require helps workers succeed and grows the regional economy.”

– Senator Bob Casey