union contract at their workplace. Over the same period, the unionization rate varied from 3.9 percent in North Carolina to 26.4 percent in New York.

REGION, May 5th- The Lehigh Valley Labor Council labor federation held their 47th annual awards dinner at the Northampton Memorial Community Center before more than 200 union members and their families, elected political leaders, political candidates, and Democratic party officials, from throughout the Lehigh Valley on May 3rd.

Lehigh Valley Labor Council President Gregg Potter welcomed everyone that attended and Joe Wilfinger, the Sergeant of Arms of the labor federation, gave the invocation.

Mr. Potter stated he was pleased with the participation of the event and read the names of political community members attending.

Ellen Redline received the annual “William Werkheiser Award.” Ms. Redline is the Presidentof the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Union Local 1435 and a Vice-President of the local labor federation. Local 1435 is affiliated with AFSCME District Council 88, which represents more than 15,000 workers.

Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner was guest speaker and thanked the organization for being invited to address the group. Mr. Potter stated Jack Wagner’s presentation was inspiring and showed his friendship toward labor.

Capital Blue Cross received the “Labor Appreciation Award” from the organization for their continued involvment with the labor community.

The Lehigh Valley Labor Council is affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

The local organization was created in 2000 when the Lehigh County Labor Council merged with the Northampton County Labor Council. The organization meets