WHEREAS, Tom earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967 from Cheyney University in History, he also took part in Summer Civil Rights work in Alabama prior to becoming a Unite States History teacher in senior and junior high school in the Darby-Colwyn School District before taking part in the Selective Service System in Philadelphia before joining as one of the original organizers of AFSCME District Council 47; and
WHEREAS, In 1973-1978 Tom was the Parliamentarian and an Executive Board Member of District Council 47, while during 1970-1980 he worked for the City of Philadelphia as a Human Relations Commission representative II and in 1978-1980 Tom was educated at the Philadelphia AFL-CIO Leadership Academy; and
WHEREAS, Thomas Paine Cronin has been not only committed to worker and civil rights locally but globally and was one of the organizers of Labor Union visits to Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, El Salvador and Northern Ireland; and
WHEREAS, In 1980 Tom was elected as the President of AFSCME District Council 47 and during his leadership he served as the Chairman of the Legal Services Trustees, AFSCME District Council 47 and Chairman of Health and Welfare Trustees; and
WHEREAS, Tom continued his education earning a Trade Union Program Certificate through Harvard University Trade Union Program and in 2007 Tom retired from his role as President of AFSCME District Council 47 and became the Director of the Comey Institute of Industrial Relations, at St. Joseph's University education union and labor activists; and
WHEREAS, In 2020 Tom became the Vice President of DC 47 Retirees, recently retiring from this position in April of 2023, Tom is currently the President of AFL-CIO Retirees' Chapter and even in retirement. Tom remains active and is currently a member of numerous other organizations; and
WHEREAS, Tom's commitment to unionized workers and civil rights, workers rights globally is an example and model for future leaders and his work has produced many labor and civil rights leaders around the world; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby Honor and congratulate Thomas Paine Cronin on his recent retirement as the Vice President of AFSCME District Council 47's Retiree Chapter with over 60 years in public service and union leadership.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an engrossed copy be presented to Thomas Paine Cronin further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.
End