Philly electricians’ leader Dougherty to head trades council
John Dougherty pictured here in a NewsWorks file photo (Katie Colaneri/WHYY)
John Dougherty, a leader of Philadelphia’s politically powerful electricians’ union, is taking on a new title.
John Dougherty will take over leadership of the 40,000-worker Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council on Dec. 1.
Dougherty, who’s often called “Johnny Doc,” has led Local 98 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers since 1993. He’s also a Democratic ward leader in south Philadelphia.
His younger brother Kevin is a Philadelphia judge and one of seven candidates for three openings on the state Supreme Court this year. Local 98 and other unions have contributed generously to his campaign.
Dougherty will succeed Patrick Gillespie as business manager of the council, which represents nearly 40 unions in Philadelphia and its suburbs. Gillespie and chose Dougherty to serve out the rest of his term.
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