America's Work Force Union Podcast

Happy New Year! Today, the America's Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Ariel Wittenberg, journalist and unit chair of the Politico-E&E News (PEN) Guild, a union representing journalists at Politico and E&E News. Wittenberg discussed the challenges and victories union journalists face as artificial intelligence tools become increasingly prevalent in newsrooms. She provided insight into the PEN Guild's contract negotiations, their fight for editorial standards in an era of AI and ongoing arbitration over contract violations related to AI-generated content. On this edition of the Best of 2025 series, we return to the Presidents Day interview with Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), who joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey, the challenges of maintaining diversity initiatives and the critical role of unions in advocating for workers amid political and corporate pressures.

On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Anson Poe and Chris Tucker, two figures behind the successful unionization of lab workers at Tempus AI, a healthcare artificial intelligence biotech company in Chicago, discussed the organizing campaign that led to the creation of Machinists Local H1, the first healthcare unit of its kind in the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Midwest Territory. Continuing the America's Work Force Union Podcast's Best of 2025 series, we highlighted the March 25 interview with Pat Devaney, Secretary Treasurer of the Illinois AFL-CIO, who discussed the history of pension cuts, their impact on public workers and efforts to restore retirement security through the Fix Tier 2 campaign.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Brad Asay, Vice President of the Utah AFL-CIO, joined the show to highlight a significant legislative victory for public sector workers in the state. Asay discussed the successful effort to repeal the controversial H.B. 267, which would have eliminated collective bargaining rights for teachers, police officers, firefighters and other public employees. On this edition of the Best of 2025 series, the America's Work Force Union Podcast flashes back to the May 30 conversation with Lindsay Dougherty, International Vice President and Division Director of the Motion Picture and Theatrical Trade Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 399. Dougherty discussed the impact of tax incentives on production locations, the industry's contraction due to streaming and efforts to standardize contracts across the country.

In today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown joined the podcast to discuss his campaign for the U.S. Senate, attacks against unions and the complexities of U.S. trade policy. Continuing the America's Work Force Union Podcast's Best of 2025 series, we revisit the July 25 conversation with Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and April Goggans, President of NTEU Chapter 250, who discussed the challenges facing federal workers. They addressed proposed budget cuts, workforce reductions and the impact on critical services provided by agencies such as the IRS and Health and Human Services.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Dave McCall, International President of the United Steelworkers, reflected on the union's evolution, its leadership transition to Roxanne Brown in 2026 and the challenges and victories that defined his time with the Steelworkers. Continuing the Best of 2025, the America's Work Force Union Podcast returns to the Feb. 6 conversation with Joe Nantista, Assistant General Chairman of the Unified System Division of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWED), a division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and Paul Slocomb, an attorney and Partner with Blunt Slocomb, Ltd., who discuss the tragic death by suicide of Philip Morgan, a BMWED member and Union Pacific employee.

Zach Story, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 210 in southern New Jersey, appeared on the Christmas Day edition of the America's Work Force Union Podcast to share his insights on the union's current landscape, its organizing efforts and ongoing local initiatives that strengthen ties within the community. Story discussed the realities of union membership post-Janus decision, how utility work is adapting to new industry demands, and the community outreach that has grown from hardship. Continuing the America's Work Force Union Podcast Best of 2025 series, we return to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day conversation with Sylvester Taylor, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC). Taylor, a 34-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 in St. Louis, shared his experience and journey in the trades, as well as how the union has led him to become a leader in the IBEW's efforts to improve diversity and inclusion.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez, representing California's 38th Congressional District, joined the show to discuss her advocacy for workers and the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act. Sanchez, a labor lawyer and co-leader of key energy and infrastructure bills, discussed her work with the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, the bill's path through Congress and the crucial role of bipartisan support.  On the next installment of the America's Work Force Union Podcast's Best of 2025, we highlight the interview with Sean O'Brien, President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which aired on Presidents' Day. During the segment, he discussed the union's strategic approach to negotiations, the challenges posed by automation and the ongoing efforts to organize Amazon workers.

On today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Tom Buffenbarger, retired President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, reflected on the state of the American workforce, the escalating cost of living fueled by rising healthcare premiums, misleading unemployment data and the growing importance of unions in turbulent times. On the second installment of the America's Work Force Union Podcast's Best of 2025, we highlight the interview with Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, from his Martin Luther King Jr. Day appearance, where he discussed the role AFSCME played in the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers' Strike and shared his thoughts on Dr. King's lasting legacy.

On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, discussed the Department of Homeland Security's decision to cancel the Transportation Security Administration workers' collective bargaining agreement, the possible impact of the Protect America's Workforce Act and recent controversial changes to aviation safety rules.  We begin the America's Work Force Union Podcast's Best of 2025 highlight series with the Feb. 19 appearance from Everett Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), who joined the podcast to discuss recent attacks on federal workers, AFGE's membership growth and the importance of Black History Month.

Today's edition of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion Media and Communications Division, who discussed the January edition of the American Legion Magazine. He discussed some of the feature stories, like the importance of the United States ratifying the Law of the Sea Convention amid Chinese expansion, the mysterious heroism of the so-called "Rambo of the Ardennes" from World War II and the nationwide preparations for the country's upcoming 250th birthday. Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss increasing poverty rates among older Americans, the challenges facing Social Security and pensions and the urgent concerns surrounding healthcare affordability for seniors.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, two representatives from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399—Business Agent Pat O'Gorman and Organizer Jesus Ramirez—shared insights into the Local's efforts to organize in Chicago's labor landscape. Local 399 represents over 10,000 skilled maintenance employees working across hospitals, hotels, schools and more throughout Illinois and Indiana. The discussion focused on the union's diverse jurisdiction, educational pathways for the trades, the realities of recruiting young workers and highlights from a major organizing campaign at Advocate Healthcare. In this edition of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Davida Russell shared her journey as a union member, a school bus driver and a devoted advocate for the working people in Ohio. Currently the Secretary-Treasurer of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, Russell discussed the challenges she faced during her campaign to be elected mayor of Cleveland Heights, her decision to now run for a state representative seat and her advice for other union members considering political involvement.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, former Occupational Safety and Health Administration Deputy Assistant Secretary and health and safety advocate Jordan Barab discussed the critical state of worker safety in America. As the author of the Confined Space newsletter and an expert with decades of experience, Barab offered a detailed perspective on the underfunding of OSHA, the enforcement process of safety laws and the real stories behind workplace fatalities. Illinois Economic Policy Institute economist Frank Manzo appeared on this edition of the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a study on the state's pre-apprenticeship programs. Highlighting years of research, Manzo broke down how these initiatives, supported by both federal and state investments, are creating skilled labor pipelines, transforming lives and boosting economic returns in Illinois. His insights shed light on the success of these programs in attracting women and minorities to construction careers, as well as why they're garnering attention from policymakers and other states.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, we featured Tony Johnston, President of the Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600, which represents nearly 5,000 members across Chicago and its suburbs. As union negotiations loom, Johnston discussed the organization's priorities, including the challenges members face due to Chicago's high cost of living and the city's residency requirements. He also outlined the union's push for fair telework policies and described the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on education jobs. Johnston further highlighted ongoing efforts to create sustainable community college models and build protections for immigrant workers in a complex environment. Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss organizing efforts among library workers, recent child labor legislation in Ohio and the union's endorsement of a gubernatorial candidate.

Today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast spotlights Carrie Lee Patterson, a multifaceted arts professional and proud member of four unions. As an actor, director, writer and dialect coach, Patterson is affiliated with Actors' Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, the American Guild of Musical Artists and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Patterson discussed her career journey, the importance and challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, her impact as an educator and her advocacy in a historic Illinois public transit campaign that united 30 different unions. America's Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Jay Edwards, Republican candidate for Ohio State Treasurer, who discussed his background and steadfast support for labor. As a former Ohio House representative hailing from Nelsonville, Ohio, Edwards has made a name for himself by defying party stereotypes and championing union issues. Edwards discussed his upbringing in southeast Ohio, his personal connection to the working class, his approach to labor relations and his vision for the office of the state Treasurer.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Anna-Marta Visky, Senior Campaign Lead for District 1 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the podcast to discuss the pressing issue of healthcare affordability for public employees in New Jersey.  Andrew Strom, labor lawyer and adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to warn listeners about the looming threats to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Strom's conversation centered on the ripple effects of the Supreme Court's consideration of Trump v. Slaughter. This case could significantly increase presidential control over independent agencies such as the NLRB.

Charlotte Brody, Vice President of Occupational and Environmental Health at the BlueGreen Alliance, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the importance of workplace health regulations, challenges from the Trump Administration to these protections and the crucial role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) general duty clause. On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, we were joined by Will Lindsay, Local Chair in Illinois with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWED), a division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Lindsay's story is one of resilience and transformation, having started his career in carpentry, then finding his way into music and bartending before forging a path as a union railroad worker and community advocate.

Adam Keller, co-host of The Valley Labor Report and a leader in Alabama's labor movement, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed what he described as troubling labor practices connected to an automotive supply chain facility in Alabama. Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the successful fight against Ohio Senate Bill 50 and to share her organization's ongoing mission to support working families. 

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to provide his thoughts on skyrocketing health care costs, the dangerous implications of the “One Touch Make Ready” (OTMR) utility pole policy and the ongoing need to protect worker safety in the face of deregulation. On today's edition of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Dave Wondolowski, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, offered insights on two major projects set to energize greater Cleveland. As the region eyes a wave of construction at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and a new Browns stadium, Wondolowski discussed what these developments mean for union labor and the community. He also shed light on ongoing workforce recruitment and the much-debated future of Cleveland's lakefront property.

On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Sylvia Allegretto, Senior Economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), offered a comprehensive look into lagging teacher compensation, or as she called it, a “teacher pay penalty” in the United States. Allegretto, who has spent over two decades researching labor economics and teacher pay, highlights the “teacher pay penalty” — the wage gap between public school teachers and other college graduates, and how it has grown since the 1960s. In today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Bob Funk, Founder of LaborLab, joined to discuss the current landscape of union busting in America. LaborLab is a non-profit watchdog organization that tracks and investigates corporate spending on union-busting activities. During the conversation, Funk touched on statistics regarding the money spent to stop union campaigns, the influence of large corporations like Amazon and Starbucks and the role his organization plays in combating these anti-union tactics.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Workforce Union Podcast and highlighted a number of ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, the challenges and innovations brought on by harsh weather, ongoing workforce development efforts and the changing attitudes toward career paths in the construction industry. John Paul Smith, Executive Assistant to AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the urgency to pass the Protect America's Workforce Act and the upcoming annual AFL-CIO Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference.

This episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Jared Ross, Executive Secretary of the South Sound Building and Construction Trades Council — a regional council under the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council — and Dr. Lorie Thompson, regional network director for the Capital STEM Alliance. The conversation focused on the growing opportunities in construction and trades, the evolving role of education and career pathways and their collaborative success in organizing the second annual “Try a Trade” event in Tacoma, Wash. Today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Steve South, Secretary-Treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 25 in Boston. Representing more than 13,000 workers across public and private sectors, South detailed his union's fight against Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company aiming to deploy driverless taxis in Boston. The conversation highlighted Waymo's business model, the risks associated with driverless technology and the far-reaching implications for organized labor and public safety.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Paul Nolley, Executive Director of Project First Rate, joined the show to shine a light on his organization's approach to promoting union construction in Rockford, Ill. and surrounding counties. Project First Rate is a partnership between union contractors and tradespeople, focusing on quality craftsmanship, apprenticeship opportunities and community impact. On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the AFL-CIO, gave listeners a detailed look at the ongoing fight to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers. He highlighted the Protect America's Workforce Act and the legislative process currently underway to pass the bill in Congress.

Dave Saucedo, Director of the Airline Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing struggles faced by United Airlines mechanics as they fight for better contract terms, the outsourcing of maintenance work to other countries and the challenges of securing fair contracts under the Railway Labor Act. On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the show for a conversation about the state's labor landscape and legislative issues impacting workers.

This episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of Culinary Workers Union Local 226. Representing 60,000 members in Las Vegas, Pappageorge joined the podcast to celebrate a landmark achievement: the union's first-ever representation across every major casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The conversation highlighted the union's decades-long fight for workers' rights, the details and impact of the newly negotiated contracts and the broader effects of federal policies and industry challenges on both union members and the Las Vegas workforce. This episode of America's Workforce Union Podcast spotlights Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, as she commemorates the organization's 60th anniversary. Logue explored the origins of the National Labor Office, the evolving landscape of labor and healthcare, and the partnerships that drive advocacy and support for union members across the nation.

Today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Roxanne Brown, incoming President of the United Steelworkers (USW). As she prepares to become the union's first female and first African American USW president on March 1, Brown shared her thoughts on the union's legacy of internal promotion, her personal journey within the organization and her urgent concerns about worker safety and the erosion of labor rights. On the Black Friday episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, joined to talk about the launch of the 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide. Paul, whose organization promotes domestic manufacturing, shared insights about the resurgence of American-made goods and the reasons behind the steady support for buying local.

Happy Thanksgiving! On today's Thanksgiving Day episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery and Soft Drink Conference, discussed the extraordinary battle for a first contract at Breakthru Beverage facilities across Florida. Greg LaRoy, Executive Director of Good Jobs First, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast this Thanksgiving to provide insights into the impact of urban density on union jobs and construction wages as showcased in their recent report. The report, “Smart Growth and Good Construction Jobs: How Urban Density Benefits Union Density,” compiles extensive research and case studies that illustrate how smart growth policies and transit access can dramatically shape the union landscape.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Chris Grando, President of the National Union Insulation Contractors Alliance (NUICA), joined the show to discuss the organization, its recent changes and ongoing challenges in the insulation industry. Representing signatory contractors and advancing the mission of partnership between labor and management, Grando offered insights on how NUICA is working to reshape its approach, address market dynamics and build a stronger future for union insulation work across the U.S. On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Trish Belenson, Chapter President of the Service Employees International Union Local 1021, joined the show to shed light on escalating challenges facing education workers in the Oakland Unified School District.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Casey Van Den Heuvel, business representative for Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, shared insights into the ongoing challenges faced by union workers in California's Monterey and Santa Cruz regions. The discussion centered on the fight to maintain Project Labor Agreements (PLA) in Watsonville, the importance of union activism and member engagement, as well as broader challenges related to fair contracting and construction industry standards. Local 104 has over 9,000 members and spans 49 counties in California, from the Oregon border to Ventura County.  Tom Buffenbarger, independent labor voice and retired International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Boeing strike in St. Louis, his thoughts on Ford Motor Company Chairman Jim Farley's comments on America's skilled labor shortage and the uncertainties facing the U.S. economy in 2026.

On today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Jon Schleuss, President of the NewsGuild-CWA, discussed the resolution of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette strike and highlighted the enduring power of worker unity and the challenges faced by journalists nationwide. Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD) at the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the fallout from the recent government shutdown, the advancement of the Protect America's Workforce Act and his new role on the Safety 21 advisory committee at Carnegie Mellon University.

Today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications at the American Legion. Stoffer discussed the Legion's advocacy during government shutdowns, efforts to combat scams targeting veterans, and the inspiring journey of a veteran-turned-entrepreneur – a feature story in the December issue of the American Legion Magazine. Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a controversial Social Security disability rule, ongoing proposals to raise the retirement age and details about the Medicare open enrollment period.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Anton Ruesing, Director of the Finishing Trades Institute (FTI) of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) joined the podcast to discuss FTI's role, the differences between union and nonunion training, FTI's partnerships to help veterans enter the trades and workforce needs as America faces critical infrastructure challenges.  Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and retired Steelworker, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss changes within the United Steelworkers, the evolving state of the U.S. steel industry and the increased participation of union members in politics.

This episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Matthew Bruenig, labor lawyer and publisher of the legal tracking platform NLRB Edge. Bruenig discussed his motivation for launching an accessible and affordable resource for tracking National Labor Relations Board rulings, and then discussed the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act. The America's Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Dennis Torres and Bonnie Oconer, patient care technicians and members of the Service Employees International Union United Healthcare Workers West, who discussed their experiences in California dialysis clinics, revealing troubling findings regarding patient safety, chronic understaffing and hazardous working environments.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), joined the podcast to discuss organizing campaigns in public libraries, recent and controversial legislation in Ohio on child labor and ongoing legal battles over the state's teacher retirement system (STRS).  Jeff Bryant, Writing Fellow and Chief Correspondent for Our Schools, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the attacks on public education in America, the rise of school vouchers and privatization and the ongoing battle for adequate school funding.

On today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Cristina Hooper, a medical social worker and Service Employees International Union Local 1107 member at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, joined us to discuss what it took to win the first union contract at Sunrise Hospital. Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Ohio Senate Bill 50 (SB50), a controversial piece of legislation in the Buckeye State. Halbert discussed the real-world impacts this bill could have on Ohio teens, employers and the broader community, highlighting what advocates and lawmakers are saying as Gov. Mike DeWine's decision looms.

On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Aaron Walsh, a labor recovery specialist with Laborers Escaping Adversity Now St. Louis (LEAN STL), joined the podcast to discuss the ongoing battle against anti-union policies in Missouri, the importance of mental health and addiction recovery in the trades and the strides made to expand peer support initiatives for union workers. In this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, the Suntrapp Workers Unite organizing campaign in Salt Lake City was discussed with Natalie Jankowski, lead bartender; Derek Peterson, administrative assistant to the owner; and Yara Albadri, marketing and events coordinator. The discussion centered on the closure of the Suntrapp Bar after workers initiated an organizing drive, the complexities of management-worker relations and the broader significance of their union effort within the local community.

Andrew Strom, a labor lawyer and adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the difficulties that American workers face when organizing, the limitations of new labor law reforms like the Faster Labor Contracts Act, and the transformative impact of strong union contracts in promoting upward mobility.  In today's episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, we welcomed Natalie Robin, organizer for United Scenic Artists Local 829 (USA 829), and Dante Smith, a lighting designer and union member, for a deep dive into the unionization efforts at the Lighting Design Group (LDG).

On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Bret Oesterich, National President of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), joined the show to discuss the state of the aviation industry, ongoing labor challenges and the impending merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.  Chris Rak, Vice President and Director for Missouri and Southern Illinois at Service Employees International Union Local 1, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing contract negotiations for janitorial workers in the St. Louis region.

This Veterans Day, the America's Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Dan Wiley, National Commander of the American Legion, as one of our featured guests. Wiley reflected on his military background, the long-standing advocacy work of the Legion and the ongoing “Be the One” campaign to combat veteran suicide.  On this special Veterans Day edition of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Mike Hazard, Program Director of the United Association's Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program, joined the show to discuss the program, the need for more veterans in the skilled trades and the importance of hands-on training and post-military support. Since its inception, the UA VIP program has helped thousands of transitioning service members find stable, family-supporting careers in the pipe trades.

Today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Mathews focused on the recent elections, ongoing challenges with gerrymandering and the importance of union-led education and solidarity, highlighted by District 4's recent conference in Cincinnati. In this episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Tracie McMillan, project editor for the "Striking Back" series at Capital & Main, discussed the workplace safety and unionization efforts at the Blue Oval SK battery plant in Kentucky, and the union-busting tactics employed by Ford and its joint venture partner SK On.

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 Ohio's political races, national election trends and their implications for labor. On today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, John Paul Smith, Executive Assistant to AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond, discussed his union journey, his perspective on recent political shifts and a historic milestone for the United Steelworkers.

On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, we were joined by Jackie Tate, President, and Imogen Fox, Bargaining Team Member, Steward, with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 88, representing Multnomah County employees in Portland, Ore They discussed the union's current contract negotiations, key workplace challenges such as staffing, wages and trauma support, as well as the growing role and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence in the public sector. On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, and David Yoder, Senior Vice President of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) discussed FEP's commitment to the federal workforce, the details of the current open enrollment period and what the premium adjustments mean for members in the coming year.

On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Nathan Torian, President of Paducah Professional Firefighters Local 168, and Michael Hall, a firefighter and EMT, gave listeners a look into the strength, unity and heart of their union in Paducah, Ky.  In this episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA), joined the podcast to discuss recent difficulties brought on by federal budget cuts, the impact of the government shutdown and highlights from the annual Unsung Heroes Dinner.

In this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast Nick Weiner, Organizing Director for the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and Amer Dababneh, Senior Premier Banker at Wells Fargo in Pennsylvania, discussed their organizing efforts across multiple Wells Fargo branches. As Ohioans head to the polls this Election Day, Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, reflects on the importance of local elections, union member participation in government, the challenges of redistricting and ongoing efforts to safeguard public pensions on this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast.

On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, attorney Jon Wentz of Wentz, McInerney, Peifer & Petroff, LLC, discussed the ongoing conflict between Teamsters Local 284 and the Sutphen Corporation, a leading fire truck manufacturer based in Columbus, Ohio.  Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees (NAPE/AFSCME Local 61), Justin Hubly, has helped revitalize union membership in Nebraska, which he discussed in his conversation on the America's Work Force Union Podcast.

Scott Nelson, history professor at the University of Georgia and author of “Steel Driving Man: John Henry, the Untold Story of an American Legend,” revealed the true story behind the folk hero John Henry. He traced Henry's journey from being a young convict in Virginia to his death as a steel-driving man building railroad tunnels in the aftermath of the Civil War. Nelson explained how the song “John Henry” became a powerful work chant, highlighted its roots in African burial traditions and shared the recent discovery of mass graves that proved the legend was grounded in tragic reality, with hundreds dying from workplace hazards such as acute silicosis. Andy Nieweglowski, Director of Training, and Brian Nieweglowski, Manager in Training, at LIUNA Local 607 in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, discussed their innovative efforts to recruit and retain women in the construction industry thanks to nearly $1 million in aid from the Ontario government's Skills Development Fund. They detailed the union's practical steps to remove barriers, such as providing childcare, transportation and tools for participants. They also shared the strong response to their women-only residential construction training program amidst high employment and growing demand for skilled workers.

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.