Daniel Bauder, President of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey to becoming the fourth president in the labor council's history. He also discussed their canvassing efforts and the vital role central labor councils hold in the future of organized labor.
Bauder is a third-generation union member who talked about how coming from a union family helped him along his journey. He shared his career experiences that helped him find a passion for organized labor and advocating for workers' rights. Before becoming President of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO in 2022, Bauder served as the Council’s Campaign Manager for eight years. As president of the Council, he helps protect and improve the lives of over 150,000 workers in the Philadelphia area.
In cooperation with the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, the Philadelphia Council has been working with Local affiliates on a boots-on-the-ground canvassing campaign. Bauder discussed the importance of having conversations with union members about the issues that matter to them, not partisan-specific conversations. To accomplish this, he said the canvassing efforts began in February and were focused on having quality 1-on-1 conversations instead of just handing out flyers after Labor Day.
Bauder believes Central Labor Councils like the Philadelphia Council are vital to the success of organized labor actions like the canvassing campaigns. Bauder explained why the councils can be influential in engaging with members at the Local level. He talked about the importance of the relationship between affiliated Locals and the Central Labor Councils and how they can improve a union's recruiting and organizing efforts. Bauder discussed several of the engagement events created by the Philadelphia Council and how these events have provided hope for the future of organized labor.
To hear more on the canvassing efforts by the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, listen to the show above.