Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their recent report, SHOCKWAVES: The Ripple Effect of China’s Industrial Overcapacity on American Manufacturing and Factory Workers. Paul explained how the report is focused on raising awareness about the impact of excess goods and other bad trade practices from Chinese manufacturing companies.  Pat Gallagher, president of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the costs unions pay to combat bad trade practices and how the labor federation is helping with the Ohio AFL-CIO election plans. He also talked about the efforts to end gerrymandering in the state.

Leonard Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss state legislation creating more problems for labor unions. He also talked about their work to ensure unions lead the renewable energy transition and the 2024 Women’s Summit in Austin. Grace Heffernan, co-founder and contractor with the Northeast Ohio Worker Center, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss employer wage theft and some of the resources available for workers to recover lost wages from their employers.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT-AFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide an end-of-the-2023-2024 school year recap. Cropper discussed an OFT survey that focused on the factors causing the state's teacher shortage. She also provided an update on recent organizing and contract wins for union members. June is World Infertility Awareness Month, and in honor of that, Isha Vij, Vice President of Employer Growth at Maven Clinic, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how the organization is helping union members address fertility issues.

Bob Keefe, Executive Director of Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the positive impact the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has made on manufacturing jobs in America. He also spoke about how unions can increase their membership during the clean energy boom through IRA-funded projects. Chris Albright, a member of LIUNA Local 1058 and resident of East Palestine, Ohio, returned to America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the improvements to his health following the derailment, his new battle with his employer and what the recently announced settlement from Norfolk Southern means to him.

Andrew Strom, a labor lawyer and contributor to the OnLabor blog, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Starbucks case where seven Memphis employees who were leaders in an organizing campaign were fired. Richard Mack Jr., a worker and union lawyer with Miller Cohen, P.L.C. in Detroit, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about a potential way forward for the UAW to still represent workers at the Mercedes-Benz in Alabama despite losing the union election.

Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the pro-labor legislation passed during the Spring Legislative Session in Illinois. He shared details about the ban on captive audience meetings and the new child labor laws awaiting a signature from the Governor. President of The NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America (TNG-CWA), Jon Schleuss, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the first contract with eight Tribune Publishing newsrooms after five years of negotiations. He also talked about AI in newsrooms and also provided an update on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Strike.

In honor of World Day Against Child Labor, Reid Maki, the director of child labor issues and coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his organization's work to end abusive child labor practices. He discussed some of the major violations over the past 18 months in America and how the CLC is educating legislators on proposed legislation that could improve the regulation of child labor. Rich Jordan, Business Manager of Iron Workers Local 17 in Cleveland, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss hosting the recent Great Lakes District Council Apprentice Competition. He discussed the competition events, the next step for the two highest finishers and the purpose of the competition.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of the Communication Workers of America District 4, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the start of District 4’s Conference in Detroit. Mathews talked about proposed legislation against tax breaks for companies that outsource work or anti-union efforts. He also discussed the first year under President Claude Cummings Jr.’s leadership and the upcoming Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on June 13. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss collusion claims against U.S. oil companies and OPEC and its impact on American workers. He also discussed Chinese companies' efforts to slow the growth of the American solar industry and provided an update on the Nippon Steel acquisition of U.S. Steel.

Jalen Alexander, President of the Social Policy Workers United — affiliated with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 57 — joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Unfair Labor Practice Strike currently underway by the 170 members of the SPWU. He discussed the history of the first contract efforts after negotiations began nearly two years ago and how what he called near-poverty wages for several workers are causing issues during negotiations. Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Little Steel Strike that eventually led to the Republic Steel Massacre and how these events would lead to the formation of the United Steelworkers. Redmond also discussed a meeting to help modernize the AFL-CIO’s services to their member organizations, and a new web tool focused on further improving voter education.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing efforts to secure a Community Benefits Agreement for the Columbus airport expansion. He also talked about the continued interest in bringing new technology projects to Central Ohio and a recent leaked memo causing a rift between a new Columbus City School Board member and Local unions. David Green, Director of the United Auto Workers Region 2B, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the recent bargaining and organizing wins for members. Green also talked about the growing issues with Stellantis and members of Local 12 in Toledo, Ohio. Finally, he talked about several training classes and upcoming organizing drives.

Josh Phillips, Director of Business Development for Eberts & Harrison, Inc., joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the difference their union-focused insurance company can make for union training centers and Local and International unions. He talked about the way the company works to provide the best policies to clients and even discussed a recent experience where their union shop was able to make a difference for a Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Len Dicosimo, President of the American Federation of Musicians Local 4 and the North Shore Federation of Labor, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent NLRB petition by faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Music for union representation from AFM Local 4. Dicosimo also discussed the summer Musical Rally schedule and the approval of a levy to support Cuyahoga Arts and Culture on the November ballot.

Adam Keller, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about recent work they’ve done with Local unions and a fundraiser they’ll be co-hosting in the Huntsville, Ala. area. Keller also discussed some of the organizing victories in the South and what the North Alabama Area Labor Council is doing to educate high school students about the trades. Matt Rothchild, former editor of the Progressive Magazine and former Executive Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his new project with Civic Media. He also talked about the history of anti-union legislation in Wisconsin and what the state is doing to overturn the 2011 Wisconsin Act 10.

J. Albert Mann, author of Shift Happens: The History of Labor in the United States, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about her newly released book, and how she was inspired to write about the history of the labor movement. Mann discussed why the book is written for Young Adults (YA) and how they can use it to help them prepare for entering the workforce. President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, Tim Burga, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss why he’s meeting with leaders in the AFL-CIO, and an update on the Citizens, not Politicians effort to get a constitutional amendment on Ohio’s November ballot.

As part of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast's ongoing effort to share the issues unions face across the country, we featured portions of the May 23 press conference from UNITE HERE Culinary Workers Union Local 226 Secretary-Treasurer, Ted Pappageorge, where he discussed the ongoing negotiations with Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. He discussed the strike at the property held from May 10-12 and his thoughts on the progress of negotiations since the strike. Following Andrew Spar’s most recent appearance on the show, today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast features portions of a May 29 press conference, where Spar and several leaders within the Florida Education Association discuss funding for public schools and the increasing teacher and staff shortage across the state.

Mullissa Willette, President of the Service Employees International Union Local 521, and Josh Sturm, Chief Revenue Officer at Color Health, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the reasons union members are receiving cancer diagnoses at a higher rate than average, and how Color Health is helping union members receive quality care. Lawrence Abbott, a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 70, delegate to the Alameda Labor Council and Labor Caucus Co-Chair for Move to Amend, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss that group’s effort to amend the U.S. Constitution to remove money and lobbying from politics and pave a way to improve labor laws.

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s coverage continues with Dr. James Polo, Chief Medical Officer for Carelon Behavioral Health, and Gary Mendell, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Shatterproof. The two discussed how substance use and mental health issues impacted their families, what they are doing now to help those suffering from addiction and eliminating the stigma around mental health care conversations. Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the Blue Cross Blue Shield National Labor Office (NLO), and Dr. Razia Hashmi, Vice President of Clinical Affairs with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to continue our coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month. They discussed how a partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of America is using a different approach to address the youth mental health crisis in hopes of improving the future of American workers' mental health.

Eric Weiner, Division VP for Labor & Trust, Public Sector, and Higher Education for Included Health and their interim director of behavioral health, Dr. Gareen Hamalian, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how Included Health is assisting unions and their members get the assistance they need during our Mental Health Awareness Month coverage. Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent FAA Reauthorization bill that was passed by Congress. He also discussed the TTD’s annual Executive Committee meeting and what the transportation industry can do to improve worker safety measures globally.

Amanda Biggins, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 1539, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about her Local’s new contract with the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Rush City. Biggins also talked about approved legislation that will ban private prisons in Minnesota. Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice and former International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his history with Harley-Davidson, ongoing investigations into potential Boeing design hazards and more attacks on railroad safety.

In honor of Memorial Day, Mike Hazard, the program manager for the United Association Veterans in Piping program, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the program and what it is doing to help military service members transition to civilian careers in the UA. Hazard also discussed the UA Pipe P.A.L.S. program recently launched by the union. United States Army veteran John “Jack” Monahan, who also serves as a World War One Centennial Commission representative, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Memorial Day to discuss the WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C. He also discussed the unveiling of a new sculpture at the memorial slated for this fall.

At the request of our listeners, America’s Work Force Union Podcast brought back the interview with Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas from May 1, which began our Mental Health Awareness Month Coverage this year. In the episode, Dr. Sally discussed the state of mental health awareness in America and how unions can provide care and access to mental health, including the Man Therapy program. Assistant to the Director of the United Steelworkers District 1, Teresa Cassady, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union’s Your Union, Your Voice initiative. She discussed the efforts to educate members at the Local level about the union’s core values, and what goes into the initiatives and politicians the union chooses to support.

Stephen Silvia, a professor in the Politics, Governance and Economics Department at American University, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how automakers in the South have worked to prevent the United Auto Workers' unionization efforts, as well as his recent book, The UAW’s Southern Gamble.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director for the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperation Trust (LMCT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss training in the construction industry, an upcoming webinar focused on firestopping and mechanical insulation for engineers who manage and maintain buildings across the nation and the mental health care provided by the Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP). Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America’s Workforce Union Podcast to discuss a recent study that ranks Florida 50th in the list of average teacher pay by state and other ways Local members are fighting to save their unions.

Jennifer Gill, a worker organizer, bargaining committee member and organizing committee member with REI Union Cleveland—affiliated with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union—joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing negotiations with REI. Gill also discussed the days of action workers took during the store's anniversary sale and the solidarity shown by elected officials and Local unions. Michael Shields, an economist with Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss efforts to get a minimum wage amendment on Ohio’s November ballot. Shields talked about a counter-proposal from a state lawmaker and how raising the minimum wage would assist Ohio workers.

Tyler Holmes, an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with American Medical Response in Bozeman, Mont. (AMR Bozeman), joined the America’s Workforce Union Podcast to discuss the successful organizing efforts at the private ambulance company and what led the roughly 40 EMTs at AMR to seek representation from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 9. Stephanie Jackson, a janitor with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the newly ratified contract for commercial janitors in Northeast Ohio. She spoke about the difficult contract negotiations and the importance of having a union help protect the mostly minority workforce.

Jamie Walker, Subdistrict Director of the United Steelworkers District 1, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about how unions and labor-friendly organizations are working together to bring shipbuilding jobs back to America. Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and a retired member of the United Steelworkers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about President Biden increasing tariffs on Chinese products and what it could mean for American workers. Wendy Nolan, a retired member of Iron Workers Local 17 in Cleveland, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what led her to join the union and what it means to be the first female member to retire from Local 17 after 30 years of service.

President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3448, Michael Murphy, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a workplace safety issue that forced an office in Ohio to temporarily close. Murphy also discussed the staffing shortages at Social Security Administration offices, which has limited the ability to assist the public, and also led to an office shutdown in Warrensville Heights, Ohio.  Frank Callahan, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Unions (MBTU), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the upcoming work generated by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and what it means for the building trades in the state. Callahan also talked about improving diversity among members and what it was like working with former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of the Communication Workers of America District 4, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential end to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the plan’s possible extension. John Nichols, a journalist with The Nation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his story about attacks on the National Labor Relations Act and the National Labor Relations Board for being unconstitutional.

Lyn Montgomery, Transport Workers Union of America International Executive Council Member who served as lead negotiator and President for TWU Local 556 for the Transport Workers Union of America Local 556, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new industry-leading contract ratified by flight attendants with Southwest Airlines. Continuing our coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month, business agent and coordinator for the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 Member Assistance Program (MAP), Chris Lalevee, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the work he’s done to create the program for Local 825 and promote mental health awareness among members.

As the Director of the United Steelworkers District 11 and the newly appointed lead for healthcare bargaining, Cathy Drummond discussed workplace hazards faced by nurses and healthcare workers on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast as we celebrate National Nurses Week. Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer and contributing author to the OnLabor Blog, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent oral arguments the U.S. Supreme Court heard in the Starbucks Corp. v. McKinney case.

Liliana Calderon, Director of Health and Safety for the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about what the BAC is doing for OSHA’s Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction Week as well as some of the improvements she’s seen in workplace safety over her 17-year career. Jacob Morrison, President of the North Alabama Area Labor Council, and Connor Lewis, President of the Seven Mountains Central Labor Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Bargain Together campaign, their support efforts and what it could do for nationwide union solidarity.

Allison Smartt, an organizer with IATSE Local 839, known as The Animation Guild (TAG), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about recent organizing success with animators at Dreamworks Studios and dispelled some myths about workers in this type of creative industry. Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the issues with the proposed legislation in HB 472. Burga also discussed the efforts to get a redistricting amendment on the November ballot.

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about what can be done to show appreciation for teachers. Cropper also spoke about the funding of private school vouchers in Ohio and the FTC’s final rule on non-compete clauses. Jeff Worthington, President of the Utah AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about Utah’s H.B. 285, the efforts by the state’s unions to defeat the bill and organizing in the state.

Justin Azbill, Director of National Environment, Health and Safety at Milwaukee Tool, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast as part of our continuing coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month. He started the conversation around Construction Safety Week and his work on safety and mental healthcare for construction industry workers. As part of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s National Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction week, Rich Danko, Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer, and Paul Ribarchak, Apprenticeship Training Coordinator, from Ironworkers Local 3 in Pittsburgh, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what they are doing in their apprenticeship program.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the North American Building Trades Union Legislative Conference, getting more people into the trades and an update on the status of the Intel project.  Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer for the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their report, Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, 2024. Redmond discussed the rise of workplace injuries involving minority workers and why there have been so many issues getting employers to provide proper protections for workers.

Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to continue our coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month. Bohmann discussed the proper ways to discuss mental health resources available to leaders and workers. Zack Tanner, President of the Newspaper Guild of Pittsburgh — a Local with The NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America — joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the announcement from Region 6 of the National Labor Relations Board that they would begin the process for seeking Injunctive Relief following the decision to dissolve by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 205.

To begin Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, noted psychologist, program trainer and speaker, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the state of mental health awareness in America. She also spoke about how unions can provide care and access to mental health, including the Man Therapy campaign. Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ULA Counseling Center, improving access to mental health care and a shortage of mental health counselors.

Merrilee Logue, executive director of the Blue Cross Blue Shield National Labor Office (NLO), and Mikal Sutton, the managing director of Medicaid policy for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the process for Medicaid redeterminations and how Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies are working to give American’s access to coverage. In honor of International Painters Appreciation Day, America’s Work Force Union Podcast spoke with the General President for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Jimmy Williams Jr. He gave an overview of the work done by the union in 2023, their strength in diversity and how the increase in work creates a greater opportunity to fix worker misclassification.

Business Manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 40, Stephan Davis, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Local’s upcoming 100th Anniversary event, the Hollywood Basic Crafts negotiations and their unique retirement plan for members. Jeff Joines, the Director of Government Affairs for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWED-IBT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about Rail Labor Day on May 1 in Washington, D.C. and how it could help bring better safety regulations to the rail industry.

The Co-Executive Director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union podcast and spoke about the annual release of the “Dirty Dozen” list of companies and the power of unions to make employees and workplaces safer. Donnie Blatt, United Steelworkers District 1 Director, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how a Collective Bargaining Agreement can lead to a safer workplace and the move to end gerrymandering in Ohio. As a part of our coverage for Workers Memorial Day on April 28, Roy Morrison, Director of Safety for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the union is working to eliminate rail operations that focus on profit over safety and explains how the Brotherhood is providing a better reporting system for workers.

Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for his final appearance in his current position. Samuel talked about his history in Labor and his memories on the show. He also spoke on the work President Joe Biden has done to help pass a foreign aid package and the Biden Administration's announcement of the final rules on overtime for certain salaried employees. Business Manager of International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators Local 50, Dan Poteet, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a potential record contract for members of Local 50. He also provided an update on the Local’s organizing campaign to get enough members to handle the growing workload in Central Ohio.

Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and provided an update on the status of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act and talked about jobsite safety.   Ken Grossinger, author of “Artworks: How Organizers and Artists are Creating a Better World Together,” appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the power of art and how it can lead to social change.   

Scott Paul, Alliance for American Manufacturing President, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Biden administration launching an investigation into China's unfair trade practices in the shipbuilding sector and how Chinese overcapacity is a threat to many U.S. industries. Independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about recent safety concerns raised about Boeing aircraft and his worry that union members will ultimately pay the price for the decisions by Boeing’s upper management.

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week beginning today, April 22, America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Dr. Janet Choi, a double-board certified reproductive endocrinologist, and Stacey Hofert, Vice President of Labor and Trust, from Progyny. They discussed what they are doing to help individuals in the trades receive better care across the fertility, family building and women’s health continuum. They also talked about expanding benefits and closing the gaps in coverage that exist today. Secretary-Treasurer for the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), Roland “Rex” Rexha, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to give a seagoing engineers’ perspective on the Francis Scott Key Bridge incident in the Baltimore Harbor and potential maritime reforms that could help protect workers and residents around ports.

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about a few stories found in May’s edition of the Legion Magazine. Norm Wernet, President of the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the problems created by the lack of funding for Social Security Administration field offices.

Katelyn Parady, a Phoenix-based Staffer for the National Council for Occupational Safety & Health (National COSH), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the recent city ordinance in Phoenix that will provide protection from extreme heat in the workplace.  Dave Jamieson, Labor Journalist with the HuffPost, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Florida’s recent law preventing local governments from passing heat ordinances for worker safety.

Jessica LaPointe, President of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 220, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide updates on the Social Security Administration’s staffing issues after a recent announcement that several offices will be shut down in 2024. Rick Miedema, Secretary-Treasurer of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 997 in Fort Worth, Texas, returned to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to update the situation with Molson Coors and Local 997’s contract negotiations. Miedema talked about the support they’ve received since going on strike and the call for a boycott of all Molson Coors products nationwide.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent first contract ratification at Equitas Health in Ohio. Cropper also spoke about an ongoing organizing campaign that is beginning its union election process, and a research group focusing on improving Teacher’s workplace stress. James Cahill, Vice President of the Labor and Trust Department for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Taft-Hartley Trust Funds and how unions use the trusts to prevent shifting rising healthcare costs onto members.

Ed Hill, Jr., International Representative, Business Development for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 3rd District joined the America’s Workforce Union Podcast and discussed the importance of the PLA announced between the North American Building Trades Union (NABTU) and Equinor for the Empire Wind project off the coast of New York. Author Jonathan Rigsby appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about his upcoming book Drive, which he wrote to outline the issues he’s faced as a part-time gig worker and what needs to be done to help drivers avoid being taken advantage of by ride-share companies.