Managing Partner Sam Pond and attorney Pasquale Bianculli address a group of 60 young union workers at the District Council 21 apprenticeship workshop. Sam gave an inspiring speech encouraging the crowd to get involved and educate themselves about their rights.
“I want you to be able to educate yourself and be self-reliant. Know your rights; don’t be afraid,” Sam urged. “You have constitutional rights and rights under the law to protect you.”
Sam and Pat spoke about Union Services Access (USA), a legal consulting services network the two attorney co-founded for unions and laborers. USA educates union members on their legal rights, promotes safety management, advocates for legislation that impacts members’ quality-of-life, and highlights political candidates who support the goals of America’s labor movement. In addition to educating and providing union legal help and resources, Sam highlights some principal aspects of the workers’ compensation and Social Security disability processes.
Sam discusses the importance of having a strong attorney represent them and explain clients’ rights and guide them throughout the work injury case process. Sam encourages workers to choose their own doctors and not to use the insurance companies. “If you get injured on the job, make sure you give someone notice about the injury,” Sam tells the apprentice group. “You have 120 days to report the work injury.
Sam goes on to address Social Security disability and the importance of SSD benefits. “If you are getting ready to retire, you absolutely need to add Social Security Disability insurance to your retirement check list. Pond Lehocky Stern Giordano is the injury and disability law firm that will apply for you and help you deal with the Social Security Administration throughout your case. You’re buying three things: a retirement plan, Medicare, and a disability policy. This is your money,” Sam says.
Through lectures and seminars, Sam educates union members and employees throughout the region on their rights under the Workers’ Compensation Act. His charitable contributions are extensive and focused on children and education; they include the Union Services Access Scholarship Fund, The Pond Lehocky Trial Advocacy Scholarship and The Pond Lehocky Legal Studies Department Head Office at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business. Sam also created the Marie Pond Scholarship Fund in honor of his mother, which is a yearly scholarship awarded to a member of the Torresdale Boys Club.
Sam encourages people to get out and vote for the right people. “Every vote matters, and it is imperative that union workers educate themselves and take initiative to vote for individuals who will support the labor movement,” Sam says.
