HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO Executive Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to elect Maurice Cobb as its new Secretary-Treasurer. Cobb steps into the role following the resignation of George Piasecki, who had been serving since Angela Ferritto ascended to the position of President in 2020.
Angela Ferritto, President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, expressed gratitude toward Piasecki for his dedication and service, highlighting his lifelong commitment to union values and leadership. Ferritto also commended the Executive Council’s decision to elect Cobb, citing his deep-rooted history with the United Steelworkers and his reputation as a dynamic leader dedicated to advancing the rights of workers across Pennsylvania.
Maurice Cobb brings to the position a legacy of labor advocacy bred into him through four generations of steelworkers at ArcelorMittal, the former Bethlehem Steel plant. With a career that spans roles in local union leadership, legislative advocacy, collective bargaining, and arbitration, Cobb embodies the union values of hard work and solidarity.
In his reaction to the election, Cobb emphasized the importance of unions in protecting workers’ rights and voiced his commitment to expanding union membership by welcoming members that reflect the diverse fabric of the labor movement. His tenure as a USW international staff representative and experience in various industries, from manufacturing to transportation, showcase his broad expertise in navigating labor challenges and advocating for workers’ rights.
The appointment comes at a critical time for the labor movement in Pennsylvania. With 700,000 workers under its umbrella across 51 International Unions and 1,422 Locals, the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO plays a pivotal role in shaping labor policies and negotiations throughout the state’s 67 counties. Cobb’s leadership, therefore, is not just a positional change but a beacon for the future direction of labor advocacy and union strength in Pennsylvania.
Cobb’s recent roles, including his work as USW District 10 Rapid Response Coordinator and his elections to secretary-treasurer of the Central Pennsylvania Area Labor Federation and vice president of the Harrisburg Region Central Labor Council, underline his proactive approach to labor issues and his capacity for effective mobilization and legislative action.
With a rich legacy of labor activism behind him and a clear vision for the future, Maurice Cobb’s election as Secretary-Treasurer symbolizes a moment of both continuity and renewal for the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. As unions across Pennsylvania look to confront new challenges and seize fresh opportunities, Cobb’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding the movement towards greater inclusivity, advocacy, and success.
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