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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.
Danny Kelly, LIUNA Local 310 | Dave Megenhardt, ULA
Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a job and training fair in Cleveland. He also discussed ULA’s efforts to register Cleveland residents to vote and provided information on this year's Unsung Heroes of Labor event.
Danny Kelly, who serves on Cleveland City Council and is a retired member of LIUNA Local 310, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his trade career and how it has helped him as a member of Council. He also discussed a new project on Cleveand’s downtown riverfront that will be union-built and potentially staffed with union members.
54:4004/09/2024
Tim Burga, OH AFL-CIO | Hannah Halbert, Policy Matters Ohio | Matt Berlin, Insulators Local 86
Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent Labor Day celebrations around Ohio, the problems with the language used for Issue 1 and what it would mean for unions if the redistricting amendment passes.
Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recently released annual State of Working Ohio report. She discussed the difference between the positive data on paper, the reality for many of Ohio’s working people and the union difference.
Matt Berlin, Business Manager of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 86 in Nashville, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work outlook for members and the increased demands for apprentices as Nashville continues to grow.
54:4003/09/2024
Kate Bronfenbrenner, ILR School at Cornell University | Mike Knisely, Ohio State BCTC
Kate Bronfenbrenner, Director of Labor Education Research at Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast on the 130th anniversary of Labor Day to discuss her journey through labor, how she helped shape the careers of several of today’s most influential labor leaders and the current state of the labor movement.
Mike Knisley, Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council (OSBCTC), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the legacy of former OSBCTC Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Duffey, who recently passed away.
54:4002/09/2024
Brad Spencer, Melwood | Allison Balanc, Helmets 2 Hardhats
Brad Spencer, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Melwood, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss why it is important for all individuals to feel valued and worthy in the workplace and how Melwood is helping those with disabilities experience those feelings on the job.
Allison Balanc, Helmets to Hardhats (H2H) Digital and Social Media Coordinator, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization’s purpose and its accomplishments by helping military personnel successfully transition to civilian life through a career in the building trades.
54:4030/08/2024
Baldemar Velasquez, FLOC | DW Gibson, 25 years after Seattle’s WTO protests
Baldemar Velasquez, President of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of organizing agricultural workers in America and why it’s been more difficult than any other industry. He also talked about the law that goes into effect today, Aug. 29, that will help farm workers to organize.
DW Gibson, author of One Week to Change the World, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his book about Seattle’s 1999 World Trade Organization protests and the impact unions had on the protests.
54:4129/08/2024
Pete Ielmini, LMCT | Angela Ferritto, PA AFL-CIO and Union Energy
Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP) and how it will help members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. He also discussed why mechanical insulation can help address many of the environmental issues around the world and then provided an update on the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (FMIA).
Angela Ferritto, President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and Union Energy, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey in the labor movement and how that has helped her provide educational opportunities to women in the unions across Pennsylvania. She also discussed Union Energy and providing families a pathway to join a union and enjoy the union benefits during the transition to renewable energy.
54:4028/08/2024
Tamara McCollough, IUOE Local 150 & III FFC | Tom Buffenbarger
Tamara McCollough, DEI Outreach Associate with the Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting (III FFC) and a seasonal instructor with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program (ASIP), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss getting more women involved in the trades and how unions can improve the long-term sustainability of this initiative. McCollough also discussed how Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) has helped empower women in the trades.
Tom Buffenbarger, retired International President of the International Association of Machinists and Allied Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union workers being locked out by two Canadian rail companies. He also discussed a defense industrial training program and what it means for unions to be involved with the political process.
54:4027/08/2024
Jon Schleuss, The NewsGuild-CWA | Greg Regan, TTD
Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America (TNG-CWA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the National Labor Relations Board filing an injunction on behalf of striking Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers. He also discussed an organizing campaign with in-house staff at 32BJ Service Employees International Union and a potential unfair labor practice (ULP) strike by Law360 Union.
Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his speech during the Democratic National Convention. Regan also spoke about a power outage that stopped trains in the Northeast Corridor and two Canadian rail companies locking out union workers.
54:4026/08/2024
Adam Keller, TVLR.fm | Charleeka Thompson, USW NextGen
Adam Keller, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report (TVLR), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what he’s learned while supporting the Communications Workers of America District 3 strike at AT&T across the Southeast. He also talked about his work with the North Alabama Area Labor Council and then gave an overview of their segment, Boss Watch.
Charleeka Thompson, Director of the Next Generation Program (NextGen) for the United Steelworkers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the USW is working to engage a younger generation of union members. She also talked about the renewed vigor behind the program’s outreach efforts and where she envisions the program in the future.
54:4023/08/2024
Dan Poteet, Insulators Local 50 | Dustin Reinstedler, KY AFL-CIO
Dan Poteet, Business Manager of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 50, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for his members, the Local’s work outlook in Central Ohio and growing membership by recruiting more women and minority members.
Dustin Reinstedler, President of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his career in the labor movement and what led him to want to seek leadership roles. He also discussed the importance of union solidarity in the state and what is being done with school counselors to improve the pathway to the trades.
54:4022/08/2024
Jacqueline Simon, AFGE | James Glimco, Teamsters Local 777
Jacqueline Simon, Policy Director for the American Federation of Government Employees, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the AFGE National Convention and the potential impact Project 2025 could have on federal employees.
James Glimco, President of Teamsters Local 777 in Lyons, Ill., joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about organizing cannabis dispensaries in Chicagoland and why employees in the industry face working conditions similar to those found in startup companies.
54:4022/08/2024
Melissa Cropper, OFT | Jonathan Rosenblum and Ebony Echevarria Amazon Division IBT
Jonathan Rosenblum, a labor organizer, and Ebony Echevarria, an Amazon Delivery Driver, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss ongoing negotiations with Amazon and what the workers are trying to earn through a first contract.
Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers and Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast from the Democratic National Convention. She discussed two new library organizing campaigns and a potential teacher’s strike in Lordstown, Ohio.
54:3820/08/2024
Sara Dorner, Rockford United Labor | Merrilee Logue, NLO, Duncan Lawson, BCBSA
Sara Dorner, President of Rockford United Labor, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how unions can become more accessible to women and improve relationships with their local community.
Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield National Labor Office, and Duncan Lawson, Director of Market Intelligence for Government Programs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the healthcare landscape and options available to union members as they approach retirement.
54:0019/08/2024
BJ Levy, CFM Local 10-208 | Joe Sebes, Parma Southwest Area C.O.P.E.
BJ Levy, President of the Chicago Federation of Musicians Local 10-208, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his Local’s unique history and how it was impacted by segregation. He also spoke about the 1942-44 Recording Strike and the union's efforts to organize hip-hop artists and electric dance music (EDM) disc jockeys (DJs).
Joe Sebes, Chairman of the Parma Southwest Area Committee of Political Education, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization and its fundraising efforts to highlight and support labor groups in Northeast Ohio.
54:4015/08/2024
Tim Church, Wondr Health | Cindy Brooks, Carpenters Local 237
Tim Church, MD, PhD, MPH and Chief Medical Officer for Wondr Health, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the assistance they provide unions and their members through positive health outcomes, quality of life improvements and cost savings.
Cindy Brooks, a fourth-year apprentice with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local Union 237 in Peoria, Ill., joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her work with the union and what she is doing to ensure more women are able to succeed in the trades. She also discussed the support she received from her union Brothers and Sisters while battling cancer.
54:3914/08/2024
Frank Mathews, CWA District 4 | Jane Flanagan, IL DOL
Administrative Director of the Communications Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential issues that could befall unions if Project 2025 were to be implemented and what the union is doing to educate members about the anti-union and anti-worker policies proposed in the conservative manifesto.
Jane Flanagan, Director of the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), joined the Amerca’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Illinois's recent amendment to its child labor laws that will strengthen its regulations. She also spoke about enforcing regulations and a change to the Illinois Equal Pay Act of 2023.
54:4013/08/2024
Stephanie Stachura, IBEW Local 134 | Allison Balanc, TradeFutures
Stephanie Stachura, Vice President of the Sisters of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134, based in Chicago, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how her educational degree has impacted the way she instructs members within the union. She also explained how she is helping women at her Local deal with the unique challenges they will face during their careers as members of Local 134.
Allison Balanc, Digital and Marketing Strategy Manager for TradesFutures, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss TradesFutures and how it helps develop, promote and improve Apprenticeship Readiness Programs (ARPs) nationwide.
54:4012/08/2024
Andrew Strom, OnLabor contributor and labor lawyer | Mike Dolan, former organizer and Teamsters lawyer and consultant for the Jane Fonda Climate PAC
Andrew Strom, OnLabor contributor and labor lawyer, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his recent blog, “What Will it Take to Sound the Alarm About Trump Judges?”
Mike Dolan, former organizer, Teamsters lawyer and consultant for the Jane Fonda Climate Political Action Committee, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about his work for the PAC and how California is leading the nation in the transition to green energy.
54:4009/08/2024
Jody Calemine, AFL-CIO | Denise Specht, Education Minnesota
Denise Specht, President of Education Minnesota, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her experience working with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who was recently announced as Democratic Presidential nominee Kamala Harris’s running mate. Specht also discussed Education Minnesota and how she ended up joining the organization after getting her start in Texas.
Jody Calemine, the Director of Advocacy for the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what happened on the Senate floor with the expansion to the Child Tax Credit. He also discussed the upcoming schedule for members of Congress and explained the impact Project 2025 could have on the American labor movement.
54:4108/08/2024
Richard Evans, IAM Veterans Services | Lucas Franco, LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Veterans Services Coordinator Richard Evans joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the formation of the IAM’s Veteran Services Department, the people who can help veterans file claims with the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs and some of the claims his department handles.
Lucas Franco, Research Manager of Great Lakes Regional Organizing Committee for LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the decision by Democratic Party Presidential nominee Kamala Harris to select Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her Vice Presidential running mate.
54:4007/08/2024
Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO | Michelle Wayne, IBEW Local 146
Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Citizens Not Politicians initiative to fix Ohio’s gerrymandered voting maps through a constitutional amendment.
Michelle Wayne, Treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 146 in Central Illinois, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey in the trades. She also discussed the perceptions of women in the trades and why she created her union’s Women’s Committee.
54:4006/08/2024
Bryan Flannery, Anthem BCBS | John Samuelsen, TWU
Bryan Flannery, Director of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's Labor and Trust division, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how Anthem is working to keep healthcare costs affordable and accessible for union members nationwide.
John Samuelsen, International President of the Transport Workers Union of America, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the long journey to getting Amtrak onboard service workers a historic wage increase and industry-leading paid parental leave in their recently ratified contract.
54:4005/08/2024
Tony Cardwell, BMWED-IBT | David Spero, PASS
Tony Cardwell, General President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED-IBT) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss two railway safety bills that could provide improvements for both workers and the communities surrounding railways. He also discussed the Brightline West High-Speed Rail Project and what it means for new union jobs in the rail industry.
David Spero, President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss two contract negotiations with the Federal Aviation Administration, with one that has resulted in wins for his members. He also discussed a staffing problem in the industry that led to him being questioned during a hearing on Capitol Hill.
54:4001/08/2024
David Madland, Center for American Progress | Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans
David Madland, Senior Fellow and Senior Adviser for the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact that legislation passed under the Biden-Harris administration has had on job creation and union growth.
In honor of the 59th Anniversary of the establishment of Medicare, Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans joined the America’s Work Force Union to discuss the history of Medicare, past president’s impact on Medicare and new challenges.
54:4031/07/2024
Stephen Piercey, Teamsters Local 89, Riss Krull Amazon KCVG | Christine Johnson, UAW Local 2300
Stephen Piercey, Communications Director of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 89 and Riss Krull, a member of the Amazon KCVG organizing campaign, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the events that led workers at Amazon’s KCVG hub to go on a one-day Unfair Labor Practice strike during their organizing campaign.
Christine Johnson, President of the United Auto Workers Local 2300, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing negotiations between Cornell University and service and maintenance workers.
54:2430/07/2024
Scott Paul, AAM | Livia Shmavonian, Made in America Office, OMB
President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, Scott Paul, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the American-made clothing on display at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Paul also discussed the problem with some of the American flags being waved and flown by U.S. federal offices and the recently proposed Steel Modernization Act.
Livia Shmavonian, Director of the Made in America Office (MIAO) within the Office of Management and Budget of the White House, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new department’s purpose. She also discussed the Biden-Harris Investing in America Agenda and improvements to the American supply chain and manufacturing industry.
54:4029/07/2024
Roxanne Brown, United Steelworkers | Adam Bradley, CancerNavigator
Roxanne Brown, United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President At-Large, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to speak about the International’s endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris for U.S. President and Made in America Week.
CancerNavigator Co-Founder Adam Bradley joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his organization’s mission to provide cancer support services to union members. He also spoke about the importance of detecting cancer early.
54:5326/07/2024
Tim Smith, UAW Region 8 | Jon Schleuss, TNG-CWA
Tim Smith, Director of Region 8 of the United Auto Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss an organizing win at the Volkswagen plant in Tennessee. He also talked about the lessons learned during the Mercedes-Benz organizing campaign and other contract wins across Region 8.
President of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA), Jon Schleuss, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss several recent first contracts and organizing victories at newsrooms and online publications across the country.
54:5325/07/2024
Rich Jones, Youturn Health, Matt Biggs IFPTE
Rich Jones, Co-founder and Chief Clinical Officer of Youturn Health, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how his organiziation helps workers address substance misuse and mental health concerns, especially withing the construction industry. He also discussed his personal experience with substance misuse and how he’s turned that experience into knowledge to get people the help they need.
Matt Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 61st Constitutional Convention that took place in New Orleans earlier this month. Biggs also talked about how the union is trying to improve the mental health of members and their efforts to educate members on candidates in the November election.
54:5224/07/2024
Kirk Samuelson, BuilderFax | Tom Buffenbarger, Retired Machinist International President
Kirk Samuelson, founder of BuilderFax, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how his 45-year career in the construction industry led him to seek a solution to recruiting and developing a new generation of tradespeople using technology.
The America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s independent labor voice and retired International President of the International Association of Machists and Allied Workers, Tom Buffenbarger, discussed the new updates from Boeing and also looks back at his time working with President Joe Biden.
54:5823/07/2024
The Pharmacy Guild | Greg Regan, TTD
Lannie Duong, co-founder of The Pharmacy Guild, and Chris DesRochers, a pharmacy technician, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the decade-long effort to improve the workplace for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians that led to the creation of The Pharmacy Guild.
Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the problems with the claim by Airbus that their new planes can be flown with only one pilot. Regan also discussed a Project Labor Agreement for a high-speed rail project and a labor shortage for ferry workers in Washington.
54:5322/07/2024
David Cann, AFGE | Davida Russell, North Coast Area Labor Federation
David Cann, Director of Membership and Organizing for the American Federation of Government Employees, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Drive to 325 organizing campaign and the impact of the late Jane McAlevey on the campaign.
Davida Russell, Secretary-Treasurer of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Ohio Alliance for Community Education (Ohio ACE) and the Ohio Alliance Action Fund and how they are helping educate people of color in Ohio about the upcoming election. She also spoke about the upcoming fundraiser for the Ohio Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW).
54:3918/07/2024
Larysa Kautz, Melwood | Will Attig, Union Veterans Council
Larysa Kautz, President and CEO of Melwood, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work her organization performs to provide people with disabilities access to good jobs with livable wages and benefits. She also discussed how partnerships with several unions and federal agencies have led people with disabilities on a path to a career.
Will Attig, Executive Director of the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about a recent meeting at the White House that discussed the Biden Administration’s impact on union jobs for military veterans and what they can do to highlight the work performed by union veterans.
54:4017/07/2024
Melissa Cropper, OFT AFT | Michael Shields, Policy Matters Ohio
Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) and a Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the upcoming AFT National Convention and why several Locals from Ohio are going to be well-represented. She also discussed some of the common-sense guidelines from the AFT for implementing AI in the classroom.
Michael Shields, Economist from Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a failed signature-gathering campaign to raise Ohio’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. He explained why minimum wage workers in Ohio deserve a pay raise.
54:5216/07/2024
Wayne Creasap II, Iron Workers | Bob Funk, LaborLab
Wayne Creasap II, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW)’s Director of Safety and Health, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about improving safety for their members on the job. He also discussed this week's annual instructors training in Ann Arbor, Mich., and the importance of using members' knowledge to improve safety training.
Bob Funk, Founder and Executive Director of LaborLab, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ways corporations pay for union-busting consultants, the tactics these bad actors employ to disrupt union organizing campaigns and how LaborLab is attempting to shine a light on this industry.
54:4015/07/2024
David Walrod, Fairfax County Federation of Teachers | Joyce Goldstein, Labor lawyer
David Walrod, President of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what the union called the most successful bargaining campaign in 25 years, resulting in nearly 27,500 workers being represented by a joint union alliance.
Joyce Goldstein, labor and employee benefits lawyer with Joyce Goldstein & Associates, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss three recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that could greatly impact unions and their ability to provide workplace protections for their members.
54:5212/07/2024
Michael F. Sabitoni, LIUNA | Alex Roberts, APFA
Michael F. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer of the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his path to the union and how his predecessor helped show him what a good labor leader can accomplish. He also spoke about better educational tools for members during the political cycle and how LIUNA is using a new training program to help members organize.
Alex Roberts, Government Affairs Representative and Contract Action Team Ambassador with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing six-year negotiation for a new contract with American Airlines.
54:4011/07/2024
Adam Keller, The Valley Labor Report | Hannah Regan, Case Western Reserve University
Adam Keller, Co-Host of The Valley Labor Report (TVLR) and a trustee with the North Alabama Area Labor Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about TVLR’s growth and summer plans, as well as and some of the labor coverage they are providing for Southern workers. He also talked about the work by the NAALC to reengage with regional workers and improve the voice of the working class in north Alabama.
Hannah Regan, Assistant Director for Research and Evaluation at Case Western Reserve University’s Flora Stone Mather Center for Women, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Black Women’s Equal Pay Day on July 9, and research into the growing wage gap for black women in non-union positions.
54:3911/07/2024
Frank Mathews, CWA D4 | Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, National COSH
Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of the Communications Workers of America District 4, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's recent Legislative-Political Conference. He also discussed their member action day on Capitol Hill and the union's impact on the BEAD program.
Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, Co-Chair of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s proposed heat rule.
54:3909/07/2024
Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy, AFL-CIO | John Caneglio, President, Columbus Education Association
Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey to his new position. Calemine discussed his previous work on labor policy with the CWA and what he will be trying to accomplish during this session of Congress.
John Coneglio, President of the Columbus Education Association (CEA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent memo released by a Columbus City School Board member following public outcry against the board's school closure plan. He also talked about the history of relations between the school board and the union and what may happen next.
54:5208/07/2024
Josh Ruyle and Matt Davis, Dignity Apparel | Scott Paul, AAM
Josh Ruyle and Matt Davis from Image Pointe and Dignity Apparel joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Fourth of July to discuss their union-made and American-made apparel and what it means to be USA-made and union-made.
Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss USA-made companies and reshoring the manufacturing industry this Independence Day.
54:4004/07/2024
Tim Ryan, Former Ohio Congressman | Sherrod Brown, U.S. Senate | Dave Megenhardt, ULA
Tim Ryan, Former Ohio Congressman and Co-Chair of Natural Allies for a Clean Energy Future, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need for a common-sense approach to the clean energy transition. He talked about the stress new AI facilities and data centers will have on the existing energy grid and the need for union workers to ensure that the changes to the energy industry go smoothly.
Following U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown’s short discussion with our host, Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA) in Cleveland, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss some of the changes made at the organization over the past 53 years.
54:5203/07/2024
Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO | Richard Mack Jr., Miller Cohen, P.L.C.
Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about a recent labor roundtable tour he did with labor leaders around Ohio. Burga also talked about the end of the signature gathering stage for a proposed constitutional amendment in Ohio and what’s next for Citizens Not Politicians.
Richard Mack Jr., a union labor lawyer with Miller Cohen, P.L.C., joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of the new overtime regulations and how the Chevron Deference being overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court could negatively impact unions and the working class.
54:5302/07/2024
Sam Petschulat and Vonda McDaniel, Music City Construction Careers | Karla Walter, CAP
On today’s America’s Work Force Union podcast, Music City Construction Careers (MC3) Executive Director Sam Petschulat and President Vonda McDaniel joined us to discuss how the organization is filling a gap for unions and helping introduce workers to the benefits of joining a union.
Karla Walter, Senior Fellow for Inclusive Economy with the Center for American Progress (CAP), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss why workers are winning a higher percentage of union elections when the National Labor Relations Board oversees the vote than at any point in the past 15 years. Walter also discussed how current policies are helping union victories and a potential problem on the horizon for organizing workers.
54:5202/07/2024
Mandy Jo Ganieany, IUPAT DC 30 | Robert Ford Jr., USW Local 2L
Mandy Jo Ganieany, the Organizing Director for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 30, which covers North Central Illinois and three counties in Wisconsin, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her experience as a woman in the trades. She also discussed why she became an organizer and a recent event to recruit more women into the trades.
Robert Ford Jr., United Steelworkers Local 2L member in Akron, Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the union has made a difference in his life and how he’s used those benefits to give back to the local community with Forever R Children.
54:5228/06/2024
Brent Booker, LIUNA | Merrilee Logue and Keisha Adams, NLO BCBSA
Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his first 14 months in charge of the union. He also discussed the new strategies the union will use on its March to One Million, including utilizing a new, state-of-the-art studio.
Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office (NLO) at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), and Keisha Adams, Managing Director of Strategic Execution and Partnerships for BCBSA, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about their new partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America to improve youth mental health care.
54:5227/06/2024
Pete Ielmini, Mechanical Insulators LMCT | Johnny Jones, AFGE Council 100
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 (FMIA). Ielmini also talked about the Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP) and a new program to train foremen to be ambassadors for the industry.
Johnny Jones, Secretary-Treasurer for American Federation of Government Employees Council 100, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the historic new contract, and how it will help reduce turnover.
54:5326/06/2024
Sword Health | Tom Buffenbarger
Shawn McLoughlin, Vice-President of Labor and Trust, Jerry Gallo, Regional Vice President of Labor and Trust, and Jenn Delman, and Senior Clinical Specialist, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast on behalf of Sword Health. They discussed the effects of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders on building trades members and how digital care solutions can help improve health funds services for their members.
Tom Buffenbarger, former International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the design flaws with the 737 Series planes produced by Boeing at a non-union plant in South Carolina.
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Jackie Townsend, Bricklayers ADC 1 | Greg Regan, TTD
Jackie Townsend, a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois (ADC 1) and bricklaying instructor with Paul Simon Job Corps, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about finding herself in the trowel trades and how the union has positively impacted her life. She also talked about the way that the BAC has helped her carve out a sense of belonging and what she’s doing to provide that to other people.
Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his recent testimony on public transit in America. Regan also discussed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) efforts to set a federal standard for worker protection against extreme temperatures and the positives from Solidarity Summer.
54:5224/06/2024
Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Richard Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans
Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Stoffer also discussed the impact of the G.I. Bill and previewed an article from July’s edition of the Legion Magazine.
Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need for better retirement planning. He also discussed upcoming events focused on education for the November election and the Alliance’s Annual Congressional Voting Record.
54:5221/06/2024