Recognizing Ryan Boyer, business manager of Laborers' District Council of Metropolitan Philadelphia & Vicinity, for making history as the first African American business manager of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council.

WHEREAS, On November 17, 2021, Ryan N. Boyer made history as the first African American to become business manager of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council, which comprises 30 union locals across the region in construction-related trades; and

WHEREAS, Boyer also serves as business manager of Laborers' District Council of Metropolitan Philadelphia & Vicinity, representing 6,200 members across four locals, which are the only majority-Black building trade unions in the region; and

WHEREAS, Union work is a family business for Boyer, as his father was a laborer whose was able to move his family from the Richard Allen public housing projects to Germantown and later Overbrook. After school, Boyer joined Local 332 as a laborer for about five years before becoming assistant to his father; and

WHEREAS, As Boyer rose in the union ranks he saw an opportunity to help provide access to middle-class wages is a way to grow power in the City for people of color. He understood the importance of unions in ensuring availability of family sustaining employment for the people of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, The work of unions is woven into the fabric of Philadelphia, with the first labor union being formed here in 1794. Since then, unions have worked to improve wages and benefits for all workers, and to improve the economic well-being for all working in the City. Unions’ work is integral to help reduce income inequality, protect workers, and to reduce disparities; and

WHEREAS, Boyer’s election to business manager is a sign of the diversification of the historically White-dominated building trade unions, and is a step towards ensuring that the unions reflect the diversity of Philadelphia and the greater region; and

WHEREAS, Boyer’s impact on Philadelphia extends past his union work, but also through his work on social and economic issues in Philadelphia. He works in corporate and nonprofit circles, as well as on community issues like combating gun violence and voting access. Moreover, he is a sought-after advisor to elected officials and other policymakers; and

WHEREAS, Ryan Boyer’s commitment and dedication to the union workers of Philadelphia, and indeed all residents, will have impacts on generations to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, This Council hereby recognizes Ryan Boyer, business manager of Laborers' District Council of Metropolitan Philadelphia & Vicinity, for making history as the first African American business manager of the Philadelphia Building Trades Council.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Ryan Boyer, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

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