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America’s Work Force Union Podcast provides a clear and unfiltered voice for the working people of America. Radio veteran Ed “Flash” Ferenc leads the discussion with a focus on topics that include the impact of labor unions in America, workers’ rights, legislative actions and labor-management relations. Featured guests include various labor leaders, politicians, journalists and more. America’s Work Force Union Podcast provides updates and information from sources around the United States and continues to be the trusted voice for workers across the country.
Tony DiPerna, IMTEF | Iman Moore and Jason Ehlert
In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Tony DiPerna, National Director of Apprenticeship and Training at the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF). DiPerna discussed the evolving landscape of apprenticeship training and the significant strides made in the diversification and modernization of the masonry trades.
As part of our continued coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast explored a partnership to connect Native American communities with the building trades. Joining the discussion were Jason Ehlert, President of the North Dakota State Building and Construction Trades Council, and Iman Moore, Native American Career and Technical Education Project (NACTEP) Project Director, who shared insights into their collaborative efforts to foster apprenticeship opportunities for Native American populations.
53:0320/11/2024
John Stahl, IIIATF | Tom Kriger, NABTU
On the second day of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, we were joined by John Stahl, the Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund Administrator (IIIATF). He discussed a partnership with the American School Counselor Association to develop a pipeline between public schools and the trades and the Insulators Union’s Master Apprentice Competition (MAC).
Tom Kriger, Director of Research and Education at North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the educational curriculum administered by Apprenticeship Readiness Programs to prepare individuals for a Registered Apprenticeship Program and a future career in the trades.
49:4119/11/2024
Julie Su, U.S. Department of Labor | Eric Hill, SkillsUSA Illinois, and Ricardo Aguilar, ACE
The America’s Work Force Union Podcast kicked off our coverage of National Apprenticeship Week by featuring the Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su, who joined the show to discuss the importance of creating pathways to union jobs through Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Su also explained the difference between being the Labor Secretary Acting Secretary and what she could accomplish in her current role.
Continuing our National Apprenticeship Week coverage, Eric Hill, Executive Director for SkillsUSA Illinois, and Ricardo Aguilar, a student and intern through the Alignment Collaborative for Education (ACE) training program, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the opportunities for high school students to begin workforce training and find a career in the trades after graduation.
59:1818/11/2024
Kelli Price, SEIU 1199NE | Kelly Yeaney and Jeff Hasty, AFSCME DPSU Local 101
Kelli Price, Registered Nurse (RN) at Women & Infants Hospital and member of Service Employees Internation Union (SEIU) 1199 New England, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) union staff has already faced from management. She also discussed how these led to an informational picket earlier this week that included more than 1,000 staff at the Rhode Island hospital.
Kelly Yeaney, President, and Jeff Hasty, Vice President nominee, from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Dayton Public Service Union (AFSCME DPSU) Local 101, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Local and the unique challenges during contract negotiations with Montgomery County in Ohio.
43:3414/11/2024
Jacob Morrison, TVLR | Dr. David Zonderman, NC State University
Jacob Morrison, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his conversations with building trades unions and government workers about the potential impacts the presidential election results could have on future work projects in Alabama. Morrison also discussed the lessons that unions could learn by examining Alabama’s labor history.
Dr. David Zonderman, Professor of History at North Carolina State University (NC State), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the path forward for the labor movement after many working people felt the political parties were not listening to their concerns.
56:2113/11/2024
Alissa Reynolds, IW Local 63 | Martin Helms, Helmets to Hardhats
Alissa Reynolds, a journey-level Ironworker with Iron Workers Local 63, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Veterans Day to discuss her experience as an enlisted soldier with the U.S. Navy and what led her to join the trades. She also talked about the assistance provided by Helmets to Hardhats during the transition and how young veterans can find a home and career in the trades.
Martin Helms, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Veterans Day to discuss his military service and eventual transition to the trades. Helms also discussed Helmets to Hardhats and how the organization helps connect outgoing, active military members with civilian careers in the building trades.
51:5011/11/2024
Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer | Merrilee Logue, NLO BCBS, and Daniel Yoder, FEP Blue
Andrew Strom, a labor lawyer and contributor to the OnLabor Blog, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impacts the presidential election results could have on the National Labor Relation Board (NLRB). He also discussed holes in the National Labor Relation Act that have been exploited by corporations.
Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office at Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and Daniel Yoder, Senior Vice President of the Federal Employee Program (FEP) at Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the open enrollment period for federal employees and how the FEP helps members simplify navigating their healthcare options.
51:5608/11/2024
Dian Palmer, SEIU Local 73 | Eric Brandon, Anthem
Dian Palmer, President of the Service Employees International Union Local 73, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how her union member husband helped guide her to a career with SEIU. Palmer also talked about the contract issues with the city of Chicago and the difficult negotiations workers at the University of Illinois went through to earn their new contract.
Eric Brandon, Strategic Account Executive Labor and Trust for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his union upbringing and how it helped guide him to the Labor and Trust division of Anthem. He also discussed how Anthem can help Taft Hartley Funds save union members money in healthcare costs.
51:5807/11/2024
Dave Megenhardt, United Labor Agency | Greg Regan, TTD
Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 2024 Year-end Report from the ULA and the annual Unsung Heroes of the Labor Movement Dinner.
Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss funding announcements at the state and federal level to help modernize and improve port operations across the country.
49:2106/11/2024
Karla Hernandez-Mats, UTD | Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO
Karla Hernandez-Mats, President of the United Teachers of Dade, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their overwhelming union certification vote held in October. She also discussed the policy changes that established the need for yearly recertification votes for public unions.
Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the issues and races on today’s ballot that could impact labor in Ohio.
45:1405/11/2024
David Harris, AFSCME Local 394 | Jared Abbott, Center for Working Class Politics
David Harris, a member of American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 394, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how his life has changed since he began working a union job. He also talked about his experiences during his canvassing efforts in the Philadelphia area.
Jared Abbott, Director of the Center for Working-Class Politics, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the poor messaging he’s seen from political candidates attempting to speak to union members.
53:5504/11/2024
Dorsey Hager, C/CO BCTC | Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO
Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share updates on Intel and other construction projects in Central Ohio. He also discussed the demand for building unions to provide well-trained members to handle new construction projects.
Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts leading up to Election Day. He shared some of the concerns from union members about the election and what their vote could mean for the future.
52:0401/11/2024
Kevin Cooper, AFGE | Roy Morrison, BMWED
Kevin Cooper, National Political Director for the American Federation of Government Employees, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his career path to the AFGE. He also discussed how government policy has positively impacted organizing over the past few years and how members have reacted to educational opportunities around the election.
Roy Morrison, Safety Director for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) final rule proposal mandating automated track inspection to supplement human track inspections.
51:2731/10/2024
Jon Schleuss NewsGuild-CWA | Brice Alexander, Melwood
Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-CWA, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the decision by the owners of the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post to not publish presidential endorsements ahead of the November General Election. Schleuss also compared the difference between Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance crossing the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette picket line earlier this month and a member of the Biden-Harris administration doing something similar in 2023.
Brice Alexander, Senior Vice President of Contract Operations at Melwood, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization's mission and workforce as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
01:01:1030/10/2024
Merrilee Logue, NLO | Greg Leroy, Good Jobs First
Merrilee Logue, Executive Director for the National Labor Office of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her battle with breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She shared what she learned from her battle in hopes it will help others navigate their care post-diagnosis.
Greg Leroy, Executive Director of Good Jobs First, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss an article that examined the impact of film and televsion subsidies on state and local communities.
46:3029/10/2024
Brian Renfroe, NALC | Dean Nicosia, Union Shirts (TM Design Corp)
Brian Renfroe, President of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union’s tentative agreement with the United States Postal Service. Renfroe also spoke about the NALC “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive and an increase in the number of letter carriers assaulted on the job.
Dean Nicosia, Operations Manager at TM Design Corp in Rochester, N.Y., joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the company's union printing and embroidery services. He also explained why the company's owner chose to go union.
52:5328/10/2024
Jason Lopes, Teamsters Health Care Director | Donnie Blatt, USW District 1
Jason Lopes, Health Care Director for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and a business agent for Teamsters Local 25, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new national master agreement for workers at the American Red Cross. He also discussed the union members in the healthcare industry and an extensive organizing campaign in Michigan.
District 1 Director for the United Steelworkers, Donnie Blatt, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what Ohio-based members of District 1 are doing to educate the public on the importance of State Issue 1.
50:5925/10/2024
Daniel Bauder, Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO | Pat Gallagher, North Coast Area Labor Council
Daniel Bauder, President of the Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey to becoming the fourth president in the labor council's history. He also discussed their canvassing efforts and the vital role he believes central labor councils hold in the future of organized labor.
Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their canvassing campaign as the November election approaches and the engagement from Local affiliates. He also discussed Cleveland-Cliffs’ acquisition attempt of Stelco.
50:3424/10/2024
Pete Ielmini, Mechanical Insulators LMCT | Debbie Berkowitz, Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University
Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide an update on the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act. He also discussed how fire stopping education could assist the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development create safer properties.
Debbie Berkowitz, a Fellow at the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) - Division of Labor and Industry standard for heat safety protections for workers.
55:0923/10/2024
Ron Bieber, MI AFL-CIO | Tom Buffenbarger
Ron Bieber, President of the Michigan AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the restoration of collective bargaining rights for home health care workers in the state. He also discussed battling child labor violations in the state and how Ohio’s State Issue 1 is similar to Michigan's first step to repeal so-called “Right-to-Work” laws.
Tom Buffenbarger, retired president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the tentative agreement between Boeing and Machinists in Washington state.
57:2622/10/2024
Tim Smith, UAW Region 8 | Brian Poindexter, Iron Workers Local 17
Tim Smith, Director of Region 8 of the United Auto Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to give an update on the first contract negotiations at the Volkswagen plant in Tennessee. He also discussed issues with Stellantis and what led some members of UAW Local 129 to go on strike.
Brian Poindexter, a Brook Park City Councilman and Iron Workers Local 17 member, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a proposed domed stadium project for the Cleveland Browns in Brook Park, Ohio, and the new union construction jobs the project could create.
51:3221/10/2024
Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans
Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the November edition of The American Legion Magazine. He also spoke about the 70th anniversary of Veterans Day.
Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) and urged for changes to the method to calculate it. He also addressed how the Alliance is spreading the word about their endorsed candidates ahead of November’s General Election.
52:2618/10/2024
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown | Jamie Becker, LHSFNA
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the threat posed by the Chinese evading tariffs, reasons to prohibit China from dumping electrical vehicles in the U.S. and the Workers for Sherrod coalition.
Jamie Becker, Director of Health Promotion for the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America (LHSFNA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about National Drug Take Back Day, peer support programs and the Laborers’ Escaping Addiction Now (LEAN) program.
50:4417/10/2024
Bryce Covert, The Nation | Kenneth Rapoza, Coalition for a Prosperous America | Marcus Mattox, BuilderFax
Bryce Covert, contributing writer for The Nation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about her recent article, “Tesla’s Toxic Culture Has Spread to Its New Plant in Austin.”
Kenneth Rapoza, Coalition for a Prosperous America Industry Analyst, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about his latest article, “These Ten U.S. Companies Are Overexposed To China.”
Marcus Mattox, Vice President of Growth for BuilderFax, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about their app and how it can benefit construction workers and training centers.
58:3416/10/2024
Melissa Cropper, OFT | Tim Drea, IL AFL-CIO
Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Votes Bus Tour. She also talked about a contract fight between the Lordstown Teachers Association and their school district, plus the potential impact of Ohio’s capital budget funds going to private schools.
Tim Drea, Illinois AFL-CIO President, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Union Miners Cemetery and the 2022 enshrinement of collective bargaining and organizing language into the Illinois State Constitution.
49:4515/10/2024
Noah Smith, Noahpinion | Jody Calemine, AFL-CIO
Noah Smith, who writes the Noahpinion Substack blog, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his article, “Let us pause to appreciate the remarkable U.S. economy.”
Jody Calemine, AFL-CIO Director of Advocacy, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the effort by Congress to pass a Continuing Resolution to fund the government through the end of the year.
54:4014/10/2024
Charlotte Landes, Lucas Oberholtzer, Crooked Media Workers Union | Catherine Turcer, Common Cause Ohio | Joyce Goldstein, Joyce Goldstein and Associates
Charlotte Landes, Organizing and Bargaining Committee member, and Lucas Oberholtzer, Contract Team member, from the Crooked Media Workers Union, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recently signed contract with Crooked Media that sets new industry standards.
Catherine Turcer, Executive Director for Common Cause Ohio, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about Issue 1 in Ohio, which is a ballot initiative to end gerrymandering.
Joyce Goldstein, attorney at Joyce Goldstein and Associates, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the National Labor Relations Board, which has not delivered major rulings that favor workers and organized labor.
54:4111/10/2024
Adam Keller, The Valley Labor Report | Len DiCosimo, CFM, AFM
Adam Keller, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the annual Alabama Arise meeting and how the Arise staff received voluntary recognition to become Communication Workers of America (CWA) members.
Len DiCosimo, President of the Cleveland Federation of Musicians, American Federation of Musicians Local 4, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about a successful organizing campaign of the Cleveland Institute of Music faculty, plus several events the Local will host in 2025.
51:4510/10/2024
Chris Mills Rodrigo, IPS | Mike Knisley, OSBCTC
Chris Mills Rodrigo, Institute for Policy Studies Managing Editor, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a report he authored called “Leveraging the CHIPS Program to create good jobs for all semiconductor workers.”
Mike Knisley, Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the robust construction environment in the state, which he credits to good policy made in Washington, D.C.
52:5109/10/2024
Frank Mathews, CWA | Shane Wolfe, IBEW
Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss which Presidential candidate and which Ohio Senate candidate will better support working Americans.
Shane Wolfe, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 317, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the Local’s new training center and how it is already benefiting his members.
51:5108/10/2024
Steve Hicks, Teamsters | Jacob Morrison, North Alabama Area Labor Council
Steve Hicks, President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 283, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing 34-day Teamsters strike at the Marathon Petroleum refinery in Detroit and urged the public to boycott Marathon gas stations.
Jacob Morrison, President of the North Alabama Area Labor Council, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about American Federation of Government Employees member Michelle Watkins, who became the first black woman elected to Huntsville City Council. He also talked about a new job he is taking with the U.S. Department of Energy.
46:4707/10/2024
Dr. Michael MacDonald, Birdsong Hearing | Dave Jamieson, HuffPost
Dr. Michael MacDonald, Director of Audiology for Birdsong Hearing Benefits, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the importance of hearing healthcare for working Americans, signs of hearing loss and how employers and health plans can help.
Dave Jamieson, the labor reporter for the HuffPost, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his recent article on the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) strike and provided insights into what he’s learned through his interviews and research.
52:3203/10/2024
Ted Pappageorge, Culinary Workers Union Local 226 | U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown
Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Union Local 226, joined the America’s Workforce Union Podcast to discuss the Las Vegas Strip going 100 percent union. He also discussed Station Casinos’ management on trial with the NLRB and concerns with taxing tips for certain workers.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his work in the Senate and what he’s done to help retirees and union members around the country.
54:5902/10/2024
Phil Mattara, Good Jobs First | Tim Burga, OH AFL-CIO
Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the state labor federation’s 34th Biennial Convention in Cleveland. He also discussed Maureen O’Connor’s work on Citizens Not Politicians and the importance of residents checking their voter registration before Ohio’s Oct. 7 deadline.
Phillip Mattera, Violation Tracker Project Director and Corporate Research Project Director with Good Jobs First, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a rise in child labor violations over the past decade and the organizations Violation Tracker.
54:1301/10/2024
Ashley Fueston, AFSCME WFSE | Wayne Creasup II, Iron Workers Union
Ashley Fueston, Vice President of the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) — American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees Council 28— joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Walkout for Washington and their tentative agreement for the 2025-2027 General Government contract.
On the final day of National Suicide Prevention Month, America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed back Wayne Creasup II, Director of Health and Safety for the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers. Creasup discussed what the union is doing to address rising suicide rates in the union and the mental health resources available to members.
52:1930/09/2024
SkillsUSA Illinois | Randie Pearson, USW
Eric Hill, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Illinois, and Sean Fitzgerrel, Vice President of the AED Foundation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a registered apprenticeship program for high school students to create more well-trained heavy machinery operators and the federal funding the program received from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Randie Pearson, the Director of the United Steelworkers Women of Steel, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the program and how it empowered her in the workplace. She also discussed the Raising the Bar campaign, and how it is helping to create safer workplaces.
58:3227/09/2024
Randi Weingarten, AFT | Merrilee Logue, NLO, and Chris Trahan Cain, CPWR
Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her multi-city bus tour focused on addressing literacy in schools and what they’ve done during the tour as part of Banned Books Week. She also talked about a grant the AFT received in partnership with Micron to develop a high school pilot program to provide workforce certifications to students.
Merrilee Logue, Director of the National Labor Office (NLO) and Chris Trahan Cain, Executive Director at CPWR — the Center for Construction Research and Training — joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work NLO, CPWR and the North America’s Building Trades Union’s (NABTU) are doing to assist building trades members improve their mental health and the impact of the opioid epidemic on the trades as part of our National Suicide Awareness Month coverage.
01:02:1826/09/2024
Gina Higgin, Perspectives | Allison Balanc, TradesFutures
Gina Higgin, Account Manager with Perspectives—an Allone Health Company—joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the assistance the organization provides to members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers through its Member Assistance Program (IMAP) during our National Suicide Prevention Month coverage.
Allison Balanc, Digital and Marketing Strategy Manager for TradesFutures, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference in New Orleans, and a unique virtual reality experience the organization will be offering for free during the gathering.
48:0125/09/2024
Tom Buffenbarger, Independent Labor Voice | Bob Batz Jr., Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh
Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) strike at Boeing and how the union may have the upper hand in the negotiations.
Bob Batz Jr., Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh (TNG) member and Interim Editor of Pittsburgh Union Progress, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential end of the 24-month strike by NGP members at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
55:2724/09/2024
Eric Blanc, EWOC | Greg Regan, TTD
Eric Blanc, Assistant Professor, Labor Studies and Employment Relations at Rutgers University, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee (EWOC).
Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to speak about an Artificial Intelligence Summit with Microsoft, high-speed rail projects and the Department of Labor’s Century of Service Honor Roll of American Labor Organizations.
52:4123/09/2024
Pat Gallagher, NCLF | Jim Hoffa, Teamsters General President Emeritus
James P. Hoffa, International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President Emeritus, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the James R. Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Fund and what it has done to help ease the financial burden of Teamsters children and their families because of the high cost of college tuition.
Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss new concerns about Nippon Steel’s acquisition of U.S. Steel. He also discussed the Ohio AFL-CIO 2024 Labor Report and a recent voter registration event with the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW).
48:2719/09/2024
Lisa Swirsky, AFGE | Clacy Griswold, Teamsters
Lisa Swirsky, Legislative Representative for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Veterans Administration (VA) budget shortfall and its impact on workers.
Clacy Griswold, Chief Negotiator for the United Airlines Mechanics with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, joined the America’s Workforce Union Podcast to discuss contract negotiations and some of the hurdles, such as foreign outsourcing, recruitment of new mechanics and safety issues.
54:4018/09/2024
Marquez Brown, AFSCME Council 8 | Melissa Cropper, OFT
Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their literacy instruction program for Ohio parents. She also discussed her visit to the Oyler School and the importance of educating voters.
Marquez Brown, Cleveland Regional Director for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Ohio Council 8, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his approach to voter education and the impact that supporting pro-labor candidates could have on the labor movement's future.
58:0417/09/2024
Sarah Anderson, Institute for Policy Studies | Alex Roberts, APFA
Institute for Policy Studies Program Director Sarah Anderson appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Executive Excess 2024 report, an annual IPS publication about executive pay at 100 S&P 500 corporations with the lowest median wages.
Alex Roberts, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants Union Government Affairs Representative and Contract Action Ambassador, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to speak about a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with American Airlines.
54:3216/09/2024
Sonya Bohmann, CIASP | Andrew Strom, OnLabor
Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), discussed suicide awareness and removing the stigma surrounding mental health conversations as part of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast coverage of Construction Suicide Prevention Week.
Andrew Strom, labor lawyer and contributor for OnLabor Blog, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the National Labor Relations Board decision on whether workers at the JFK8 Amazon Fulfillment Warehouse who voted to unionize have won the union election and what the decision means for contract negotiations.
51:3413/09/2024
Stacey Hofert and Andrea Stelk, Progyny | Scott Paul, AAM
Stacey Hofert, Group Vice President of Labor and Trust, and Andrea Stelk, Vice President of Commercial Solutions, for Progyny joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss women and fertility healthcare for union members. They discussed the unknowns around the future of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and reproductive rights. They also shared how Progyny has supported family members through the family-building process and then successfully returning to work.
Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the August Jobs Report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the potential impact on inflation and interest rates. He also discussed how investments in American-made products and infrastructure have given him hope for the future of manufacturing in America.
53:1512/09/2024
Mike Hazard, UA VIP | Ryan Delgado, NYS ALF-CIO
Mike Hazard, Training Specialist with the United Association Veterans in Piping (VIP) Program, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss mental health and suicide prevention in the UA. He also discussed the lasting impact of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
In honor of the lives that were lost and impacted by the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, America’s Work Force Union Podcast was joined by Ryan Delgado, Chief of Staff for the New York State AFL-CIO and President of the Citizens for the Extension of the James Zadroga Act. Delgado discussed the organization's creation and how it helps first responders and survivors of 9/11.
54:1911/09/2024
Frank Mathews, CWA District 4 | Christine Johnson, UAW 2300
Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the striking AT&T workers in the Southeast U.S. He also discussed a new executive order signed last week by President Joe Biden and some of the CWA's organizing wins this year.
Christine Johnson, President of the United Auto Workers Local 2300, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a new contract for members at Cornell University. She talked about the outpouring of support members received and what the contract will mean for these workers and others with contracts set to expire this year.
53:1810/09/2024
Chris Lalavee, IUOE Local 825 MAP | Justin Azbill, Milwaukee Tool
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.
01:03:0809/09/2024
Len Aguilar, Texas AFL-CIO | Andrew Spar, FEA
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.
54:4005/09/2024