America's Work Force Union Podcast

Sarah Anderson, Global Economic Policy Director at the Institute for Policy Studies, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss IPS's latest report on CEO compensation at America's largest low-wage employers. Elliot Encarnacion, Governor of the American Guild of Musical Artists, and Martha Kinsella, Regional Director and Counsel for the guild, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a newly ratified three-year collective bargaining agreement with Musica Sacra. 

David Cooper, Director of the Economic Analysis and Research Network at the Economic Policy Institute, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle worker protections across federal agencies, the elimination of minimum wage standards for domestic workers and federal contractors and the need for states to establish their own enforcement mechanisms. Matt Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing government shutdown's impact on federal workers, the union's legal challenges to executive orders stripping collective bargaining rights and the bipartisan legislative efforts to protect workers' rights.

Tom Buffenbarger, former General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing Boeing strike, nuclear security concerns amid the government shutdown and China's dominance in shipbuilding and manufacturing.   Barbara Robertson, member of Interpreters United (WFSE/AFSCME Local 1671), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's efforts to secure fair compensation for their members in Washington State.

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO (TTD), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing government shutdown's impact on transportation workers, the strain on the transportation systems and the addition of the Elevator Constructors Union to the TTD. Dave Spero, President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing government shutdown's impact on aviation safety workers, the strain on air traffic control systems and the personal hardships faced by federal employees working without pay. Dante Woodson, an International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 705 member, and Nicholas Coronado, union attorney, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing strike at Mouser Packaging Solutions in Chicago. They highlighted unsafe working conditions, the company's anti-union tactics and the fight for immigration protection language in their contract.

Alex Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer of LIUNA Local 724, the Hollywood Laborers Union, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing efforts to unionize production assistants in the entertainment industry.   Donnie Blatt, District 1 Director of the United Steelworkers, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss ongoing labor disputes at Libbey Glass, a tentative agreement at Matalis and upcoming contract negotiations in 2026.  

Sandy Reding, President of the California Nurses Association and Vice President of National Nurses United, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Medicaid cuts, collective bargaining rights for federal workers and immigration raids in hospitals.   Jana Blunt, field rep for SEIU Local 1021, along with bargaining team members Perry Siu and Paul Perryman, discussed their ongoing struggle for fair compensation in Novato, Calif., on the America's Work Force Union Podcast. 

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Trust, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, the importance of trade shows for industry education and the critical role of proper insulation of mechanical insulation and firestopping materials. Frank Manzo, Director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of collective bargaining rights on union membership and wage growth.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss crucial issues affecting Ohio educators.   Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her new book, "Why Fascists Fear Teachers."

Patrick Moran, President of AFSCME Maryland Council 3, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact federal budget cuts could have on Maryland's public services. Moran highlighted the ripple effects of federal job losses, the importance of union mobilization and the need for strategic pushback against anti-worker policies.   Matt Gunup, President of SEIU Local 580, discussed the alarming working conditions at the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Family Services building. Gunup highlighted the long-standing health issues, the state's plan to renew the lease and the upcoming public hearing to address these concerns.

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the  American Legion, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing government shutdown's effects on veterans and military personnel.   Lisa Cutler, Director of Communications for the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the government shutdown's impact on Social Security beneficiaries and Medicare recipients.

  Max Page, President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Fair Share Amendment, its impact on public education funding and the ongoing fight for equitable taxation. Pat Gallagher, representing the North Coast Labor Federation, discussed the critical need for American shipbuilding, the impact of tariff uncertainty on industries and the importance of labor-friendly candidates in local elections. 

Heidi Shierholz, President of the Economic Policy Institute and former Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the erosion of worker protections under the Trump administration, the manipulation of economic data and the importance of unions in today's economy. Michael Pineda, chief steward at Sutter Delta Medical Center and executive board member of SEIU-UHW, discussed the recent contract negotiations with Sutter Health on the America's Work Force Union Podcast.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of District 4 for the Communication Workers of America, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Keep Call Centers in America Act, broadband infrastructure challenges and the need for more government oversight and work protections in the telecommunications industry.   Mary Cochran, Associate Registrar and Greg Bailey, Senior Objects Conservator at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their successful unionization efforts, the challenges they faced during negotiations and the significant improvements secured in their first contract.

Justin Sloan, Safety Director at Bosworth Steel Erectors and Harvey Swift, Southern Regional Director of Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the evolution of safety protocols in the ironworking industry.   Sarah Dziunycz, President of AFSCME Local 1454, discussed the ongoing contract negotiations for Camden County Library System employees in New Jersey.

Dr. Millard Brown, Chief Medical Officer at Spring Health, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast on World Mental Health Day to discuss mental health awareness in construction, the value of therapy and how Spring Health is making a difference.   Andrew Strom, a labor attorney and Brooklyn Law School professor, discusses the stark contrast between free speech protections in public and private sector employment on the America's Work Force Union Podcast. 

Adam Keller, co-host of the Valley Labor Report and member of the North Alabama Area Labor Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent labor organizing efforts in the South.   Chris Baumann, Southern Region Director for Workers United, and Maribel MacBeth, an SEIU 32BJ member and cabin cleaner at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, discussed the ongoing struggle for better working conditions and fair wages on the America's Work Force Union Podcast. 

Doug Moore, Executive Director of the United Domestic Workers (UDW), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing domestic workers, the importance of Proposition 50 in California and UDW's organizing strategies.   Mike O'Reagan, President of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1314 and Jason Burns, District Vice President of the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, discussed the devastating Fall River Gabriel House fire, critical staffing shortages and the urgent need for policy changes on the America's Work Force Union Podcast.

Josh Smith, Assistant to the General President of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss federal grants for firefighter safety, training programs addressing emerging hazards and the IAFF's recent awards for worker training initiatives.   Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO,  joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing Libby Glass strike in Toledo, the importance of labor solidarity and Ohio's contentious redistricting process.

Randy Korgan, Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division and Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 1932, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent victories against Amazon, the power of worker solidarity and the ongoing fight for better working conditions.    Zack Privette, President of Columbia Professional Firefighters Local 1055, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the importance of political endorsements, the challenges of contract negotiations and the power of worker-led political action. 

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 region's construction boom, apprenticeship growth and a labor dispute with fire truck manufacturer Sutphen.   Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, discussed the ongoing government shutdown, its impact on federal workers and the looming healthcare crisis. 

Manja Horner, founder of Boost, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss leadership mindset roadblocks, knowledge capture strategies and how her company is helping unions modernize their operations.   Valerie Wilson, Director of the Program on Race, Ethnicity and Economy at the Economic Policy Institute, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss President Donald Trump's recent executive order gutting the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs.

Jennifer Abruzzo, former General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board and current senior advisor to the President for the Communication Workers of America, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her tenure at the NLRB, recent challenges to the agency's authority and the importance of worker solidarity.

Cristie Robles-Beilby and Taryn Cadena, aquarists at Monterey Bay Aquarium, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their unionization efforts to form Monterey Bay Aquarium Workers United, an AFSCME affiliate. Tom Buffenbarger, retired general president of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, shared his thoughts on the ongoing strike at Boeing's St. Louis facility.

Lindsey Tavares, Executive Director of the Apprenticeship Exploration School in Rhode Island, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their unique charter high school model.    Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss suicide prevention, mental health resources and industry-specific challenges. 

Amber Miller, Director of the United Steelworkers' Rapid Response Program, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the program's 30-year history, current initiatives and efforts to combat gerrymandering.   Jon Zumkehr, President of AFGE Local 4070, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the alarming suicide rate among correctional officers, efforts to improve mental health support and challenges facing the Bureau of Prisons.

Dr. Zaid Alrashid, internal medicine resident at Brookdale University and delegate of the Committee of Interns and Residents/-Service Employees International Union (CIR-SEIU), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the critical role of immigrant doctors in the U.S. healthcare system.    Marleigh Flowers, bartender, and Drake De Valcourt, security officer, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their efforts to unionize Meow Wolf Workers Collective in Houston with CWA Local 7055.   

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust and Bill Petty, lobbyist with State Federal Strategies, discussed the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act on the America's Work Force Union Podcast. They provided updates on the bill's progress, its bipartisan support and its potential impact on energy efficiency and job creation.   Ryan Pollock, Executive Director of the Texas State Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Chevron's $5 billion blue ammonia and hydrogen facility project in Port Arthur, Texas. Pollock shared insights on the project's impact, workforce safety concerns and broader challenges facing the construction industry in Texas. 

Sacramento Electrical Training Center Instructor Will McKee and Training Director Chris Tillery joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their recent $2 million grant, efforts to increase diversity in the electrical trade and their success in apprenticeship competitions.   Chris Taylor, Marketing Representative for LIUNA Local 1098 in Saginaw, Mich., joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's community outreach efforts, their impact and the current work outlook for members. Taylor also highlighted the Local's involvement in Laborers Rising, a program encouraging union members to engage with and support their communities.

Hannah Kim and Danny Behar, Visual Effects Artists at Saturday Night Live, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their successful unionization efforts with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees.   Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the rollbacks of rail safety regulations, the elimination of advisory committees and the launch of new high-speed trains in the U.S.

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization's recent national convention, the election of a new national commander and the U.S. Navy's 250th anniversary. Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a potential government shutdown, rising healthcare costs and COVID-19 vaccine confusion.

Jared Cassidy, National Safety and Legislative Director for the SMART Transportation Division, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss rail safety, the potential Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger and the removal of Surface Transportation Board member Robert Primus.   Davida Russell, Vice President of the North Coast Labor Federation and Cleveland Heights City Council member, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her mayoral campaign, legislative accomplishments and vision for the city.

Myia Brown, President of AFSCME Local 35 and Anders Lindall, Public Affairs Director of AFSCME Illinois Council 31, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the surge in union organizing among cultural workers. This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office, features Debbie Goldman, former Research Director for the Communication Workers of America, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of unionization in the telecom industry.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss innovative career technical education programs in New Lexington, Ohio, library censorship concerns and the impact of the gubernatorial race on education.   This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office, features Kelly Goodman, a faculty fellow at Harvard University's Charles Warren Center for Studies in American History, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of teacher strikes, funding challenges in public education and the impact of recent policy changes on school budgets.

Jennifer Sherer, Deputy Director of the Economic Analysis and Research Network (EARN) at the Economic Policy Institute, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss workers' rights. Sherer highlighted the urgent need for state-level action to protect workers, the importance of union organizing and the ongoing threats to labor standards under the current administration. On today's episode of Labor 131 presented by the National Labor Office, Joel Suarez, Assistant Professor at Harvard University, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the complex factors behind labor's decline in the 1970s, the impact of economic policies and the failed Operation Dixie campaign.

Andrew Strom, a labor lawyer based in New York City and Adjunct Professor at the Brooklyn Law School, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential unconstitutionality of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the need for a new labor court system and the forgotten struggle of Amazon workers. On today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office, Christopher Shaw, author and historian, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the historical connection between labor and banking policy. Shaw explored the role of organized labor in shaping financial regulations, the decline of workers' engagement with banking issues and the potential for renewed activism in this arena.

Alfred Munoz, an Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) driver and member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 396, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Amazon's challenging working conditions and ongoing unionization efforts. On today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office, Dr. Mac Marquis, labor historian with the Labor and Working Class History Association, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Brotherhood of Timber Workers, a radical interracial union in the post-Reconstruction South. Marquis explored the union's formation, its struggle against powerful timber companies and its eventual affiliation with the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW).

This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Erik Bernardino, an Assistant Professor of History at Bates College, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 1938 Pecan Sheller Strike in San Antonio. Anders Lindall, Director of Public Affairs for AFSCME Council 31, and CeCe Phillips, President of Local 900, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their recent contract victory in Champaign County, Illinois.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of District 4 for the Communication Workers of America, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's efforts to hold Republican politicians accountable for their votes, the impact of recent legislation on working families and updates on broadband deployment across the Midwest.   Today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Charlie Fanning, Assistant Professor of History at Florida Southern College, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of farm worker organizing in Florida, the impact of immigration policies on labor rights and innovative strategies employed by workers to improve conditions.

Today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Trish Kahle, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her research on the influence of coal miners on U.S. energy policy and workers' rights. Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Labor Day celebrations, the impact of the current administration on workers' rights and potential redistricting in Ohio.

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 New Albany Intel construction project's three-year anniversary, ongoing construction in Central Ohio and a labor dispute involving Teamsters Local 284 and fire truck manufacturer Sutphen. Today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the federation's nationwide "Freedom, Fairness and Security" bus tour, Labor Day activism and the historical significance of the 1892 Homestead strike.  

This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Sarah McNamara, Associate Professor of History and Latino and Mexican American studies at Texas A&M University, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of Latina anti-fascist resistance in Florida during the 1930s.   Elena Lopez, Deputy Legislative Director for the Communication Workers of America, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the offshoring of call center jobs, legislative efforts to protect workers and the challenges unions face in advocating for labor rights.

Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the upcoming launch of a union job board and the annual Unsung Heroes of the Labor Movement dinner. This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Justine Modica, Assistant Professor at Cornell University's School of Industrial and Labor Relations, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of childcare as a labor issue, unionization efforts in the industry and potential solutions to the current childcare crisis.

Tom Buffenbarger, former General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss pressing economic issues affecting American workers.   This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, featured Eileen Boris, Hull Professor of Feminist Studies at UC Santa Barbara and President-elect of the Labor and Working Class History Association, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the formation of LAWCHA, the importance of labor history and current challenges to historical accuracy.  

This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Donna Haverty-Stacke, Professor of History and Roosevelt House Faculty Associate at Hunter College, City University of New York, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the intertwined history of May Day and Labor Day.    Mike Knisley, Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed his upcoming retirement and reflected on his nearly four-decade career in the labor movement.

Tina Wei, Assistant Professor of History at Florida International University, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss workplace fatigue, the impact of artificial intelligence on labor markets and the challenges facing scientific research funding.   This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the NLO and Mark Talluto, Vice President of Strategy, Marketing and Sales Programs, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss healthcare affordability. 

Kimberly Kam, Senior Vice President and Sales Director for Union Commercial Services at Amalgamated Bank of Chicago, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the trend of big banks ending relationships with unions, ABOC's unique approach to serving union clients and the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion in banking.   This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Steven Beda, an Associate Professor of History at the University of Oregon, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the spotted owl conflict that affected the Pacific Northwest timber industry. 

Hamilton Baiden, CEO of Youturn Health, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss innovative approaches to behavioral health treatment.   Today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features John Shelton, President of AFT Wisconsin and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Wisconsin's labor history, recent political shifts and ongoing union challenges.  

This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Augustus Wood, Assistant Professor at the University of Illinois' Labor Education Program, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his book, "Class Warfare in Black Atlanta."   Syd Hyer, Vice President and Executive Board member of the Park City Professional Ski Patrollers Association, discussed the ongoing efforts to unionize the bike patrol at Park City Mountain.

Kalani Kauwe, a physical therapist and member of SEIU Local 1107, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing struggle for healthcare workers' rights at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas.    On this edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Max Krochmal, Professor of History and Director of Justice Studies at the University of New Orleans, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss labor organizing in the South. 

Donnie Blatt, District 1 Director of the United Steelworkers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing contract dispute at Libby Glass in Toledo, Ohio. Blatt outlined the workers' past sacrifices to save the company, the current contract negotiations and the potential for a strike. On this edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Jesse Halvorsen, an independent scholar and labor historian, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the International Longshoreman's Association (ILA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union's (ILWU) militant past, the pivotal 1960 Mechanization and Modernization Agreement and the lasting impact of containerization on the industry.

Heidi Tujague and Terry Mogilles, registered nurses and members of National Nurses United (NNU), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their recent strike at University Medical Center in New Orleans.   Today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Jeff Schuhrke, Assistant Professor at the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. School of Labor Studies at SUNY. He joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his book "Blue Collar Empire," the AFL-CIO's anti-communist foreign policy during the Cold War and the Democratic Party's relationship with the working class.