Labor Unions Endorse Scranton Mayor

Paige Cognetti

PRESS RELEASE: MAY 9, 2025

SCRANTON, PA – Mayor Paige Cognetti today proudly received the coveted endorsement of four of the region’s prominent labor unions. 

Citing her support of working families, her promotion of the use of skilled local labor in the city of Scranton, and her “tireless effort and dedication to improve Scranton,” the labor unions endorsing Mayor Cognetti include: 

  • The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 81;

  • The Carpenters Local Union 445;

  • The Scranton Building Trades;

  • and the United Association Local Union 524 Plumbers and Pipefitters.

Throughout her time in office, Mayor Cognetti has been a champion for fair wages, strong healthcare benefits for families, connecting job seekers with opportunities, and encouraging the next generation of union workers. She’s provided grant money for union apprenticeship and training programs, lowered permit fees, cut licensing red tape, poured millions of dollars into city building and infrastructure projects, delivered higher wages for local manufacturing jobs, and fought for oversight of contractors who misrepresent their workforce in order to pay them less than they are owed.

“I am deeply humbled by this show of support from Scranton’s labor unions. This coalition’s endorsement is a testament to our collective efforts to transform the city from the ground up,” Mayor Cognetti said. “We have a chance to continue delivering real, lasting change for Scranton families. That means raising wages, putting skilled laborers to work by rebuilding our infrastructure, and investing in all of the city’s neighborhoods. We continue to see private investment pour into the city, which paired with city projects, sets the stage for building trades work for years to come.”

In addition to issuing close to 10,000 building permits in the last three years alone, Mayor Cognetti and her administration have invested $155 million in federal and state grants awarded the City into multiple quality of life and infrastructure projects, including a $5 million renovation project at City Hall and $23 million in stormwater improvements, highlighting the city’s commitment to infrastructure upgrades and new developments that also generate good-paying union jobs.

“Our work will always be ongoing,” Mayor Cognetti added. “Our strong partnerships with the city’s building trades unions have helped us in our work to build up Scrantoncand bolster our economic future.”