Three members added to Council 13 PennDOT Workers' Memorial

Local Union Presidents representing Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) workers from across the commonwealth gathered in Harrisburg on Thursday, October 23, for a Labor-Management meeting followed by a Dedication Ceremony where the names of three members were added to AFSCME Council 13's PennDOT Workers' Memorial.

 Pictured left to right: Council 13 Administrator Jim Howell, AFSCME Local 2128 VP Joshua Schooley, Rose Walker (wife of Craig), Wendy Beckwith (daughter of Craig), Ryan Walker (son of Craig), Michelle Gallatin-Baughman & Jamie Baughman (stepmother & father of Seth), Council 13 Deputy Administrator Maximus Weikel, and PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll.

The names of Rodney "Craig" Walker, Seth Baughman, and Robert Greenlee were added to the memorial after their recent passings resulting from on-the-job accidents.

During the labor-management meeting, safety was a big topic. Productive conversations were had, but it is clear there is much more work to do on the issue of safety through these types of meetings, as well as through legislative action. 

It was a solemn ceremony while also being a celebration of the fond memories of our fallen brothers. Family members and coworkers spoke of how these men touched the lives of so many. Council 13 and PennDOT leadership expressed their shared commitment to reducing and eliminating such tragedies. 

There are now 116 names on Council 13's PennDOT memorial. Our union has kept track of fallen transportation workers since 1967 when PennDOT was known as the "Department of Highways." PennDOT's official count started with the department's founding in 1970 and stands at 93. 

In honor of Craig, Seth, Rob, and all of those we have lost, Council 13 will continue its fight for safer working conditions for PennDOT and all public employees.

See more photos below.