In 2023, the Philadelphia region recorded strong labor activity, including the formation of new unions, writes Michaelle Bond for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

To draw in members, the unions, which already advocate for higher wages and defend workers amid layoffs, now also offer benefits that are related to other aspects of workers’ lives.

For example, unions help members with the biggest purchase of their lives. As home ownership has become less affordable recently, home-buying help provided by unions has gained momentum.

According to Daniel P. Bauder, president of the AFL-CIO’s Philadelphia Council, local unions providing home-buying help is nothing new.

But “I think it’s becoming more popular, and I think it’s also becoming better known,” he said.

The assistance provided by unions includes purchase rebates and discounted homeowners insurance, among many other options.

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees’ District Council 33, the largest municipal union in Philadelphia, recently held home-buying seminars where members could learn how to improve their credit and fund their purchases.

“A lot of people didn’t know where to begin and didn’t think it was possible,” said Evon Sutton, District Council 33′s political director.

Read more about how local labor unions are helping members buy homes at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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