As Construction Suicide Prevention Week enters its second day, Chris Lalavee, Business Agent at the International Union of Operation Engineers Local 825 and coordinator of the IUOE Local 825 Member Assistance Program (MAP) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss some of the events focused on suicide prevention in the trades. He also shared his story, and talked about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline as well as other resources available to union members. Continuing our coverage of Construction Suicide Prevention Week, Justin Azbill, Director of National Health and Safety Strategy for Milwaukee Tool, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey with mental health and how it has led him to assist workers in the construction industry. He talked about the ways Milwaukee is helping workers prevent injuries through ergonomic study and training and the Boots on the Ground Tour that is part of their support of National Suicide Prevention Month.

Len Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Labor Day events across the state. He also discussed the organizing success the Office and Professional Employees International Union and other unions had in recent years, plus attempts to improve heat regulations for Texas workers. Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association (FEA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing teacher shortage, which has become more evident through increased class sizes. He also discussed new school security requirements that make it more difficult for parents and students to leave school grounds and spoke about five publishing companies that are suing the state for its book-banning policies.