Above: Gottheimer listens to North Jersey labor leaders about what they need to grow and flourish.

PARAMUS, NJ – On Friday, February 21, 2020, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) brought together labor leaders and advocates to discuss what needs to be done to fix New Jersey’s crumbling infrastructure and to continue working to fill New Jersey’s middle-skill worker’s gap. 

“Labor unions helped build this county and are the backbone of our economy. One of the great challenges of our time and in our community, for me, is protecting and creating good-paying jobs in every sector of the economy,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “That means having the backs of our unions and working with vocational schools and community colleges to make sure the skills being taught match the skills employers need. It also means investing in our crumbling infrastructure and putting people back to work with good, steady jobs doing work we desperately need here in New Jersey.”

In attendance were: 

Mike Flynn, New Jersey Education Association

Sue McBride, New Jersey & Bergen County Education Association 

Scott LaMorticella, Sprinkler Fitters Local 696

Ricky Sabato, Bergen County Building and Construction Trades Council 

Dan Gumble, IBEW Local 164 

Tom Salerno, Building Construction Laborers Local 3

Matt Kronyak, Eastern Region of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen 

Freeholder Tom Sullivan, IBEW Local 164

Daniel Ortega, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825

Donald DeAugustine, Eastern Millwright Local 715

Brian Jackson, Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local #10

Dave Addison,  Boilermakers Local 28

John Murphy  Professional Firefighters Association of NJ

Ciro Scalera, NJ LECET

Mike Schneider, Bergen County Central Trades and Labor Council

Debbie Kwapniewski, Lodi Education Association

Joe Melahn, Sheet Metal Workers Local 25

Bob Allen, State FMBA

Joe Gautier, United Service Workers Union Local 755

Christopher Larson, IBEW 164

Thomas Walker, IBEW 164 

Kevin Marion, IBEW 

Todd Heuer, IBEW 164 

Steve Clay, IBEW 164 

Mayor Keith Misciagna, IBEW 164 

Michael Piece, Carpenters Local 253

Cesar Gamio, Operating Engineers 825

Below: Gottheimer with Debbie Kwapniewski (left) and Sue McBride (right)