America's Work Force Union Podcast

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.

Operating Engineers Local 150 representatives Dale Pierson, Kristine Kavanagh and Marty Durkan joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing strike at QSL America's Chicago port facility.   This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Jason Resnikoff, Assistant Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Groningen, who joined the America's Work Force Unin Podcast. He delved into the 1972 Lordstown strike, exploring its roots in automation, the role of young workers and its relevance to today's labor landscape.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers and Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the launch of the National Academy for AI Instruction, political challenges in Ohio's education landscape and the importance of Sherrod Brown's Senate campaign.   Today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, featured Tom Alter, Associate Professor of History at Texas State University,  who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the populist movement of the 1880s and 1890s, its impact on American politics and how it relates to modern-day populist sentiments.

Today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, featured Stacey Smith, Associate Professor of History at Oregon State University, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Anti-Peonage Act of 1867, its impact on labor practices and how debt bondage persists in modern forms.   Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the upcoming 106th National Convention in Tampa, Fla., the organization's efforts in disaster recovery and its ongoing suicide prevention campaign. 

On this edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, James Benton, Director of the Race and Economic Empowerment Project at Georgetown University's Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of trade deals in America, their impact on workers and the challenges posed by automation and artificial intelligence. Pat Gallagher, a retired United Steelworker with over 47 years of experience and President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation in Cleveland, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent explosion at a U.S. Steel plant in Pennsylvania, the importance of union safety protocols and upcoming political races in Ohio.

Today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, featured Martin O'Malley, former Maryland governor and Social Security Commissioner, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 90th anniversary of Social Security, current threats to the program and potential solutions to ensure its long-term viability.   Ian Fritz, Business Agent for IATSE Local 415 in Tucson, Ariz., joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent organizing victories at the Loft Cinema and Arizona Theatre Company.

Andrew Strom, labor lawyer and adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the current state of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).   On today's Labor 131 segment, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Tom Suhrbur, author and retired organizer for the Illinois Education Association (IEA), discussed his book "Public Education and Social Reform: A History of the Illinois Education Association." 

Today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, featured Jessie Wilkerson, Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, who shared her insights on the 1929 Elizabethton textile strike, highlighting the role of young female workers and the harsh conditions they faced. Wilkerson discussed the strike's origins, its impact and its place in labor history.   Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communication Workers of America (CWA),  joined the America's Work Force Labor Podcast and discussed the CWA's national convention, the organization's strike fund and the challenges facing broadband expansion efforts.

This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, featured Lauren Braun-Strumfels, an Associate Professor of History at Cedar Crest College, who discussed her research on Italian immigration and its influence on U.S. labor history.    Jenny Bueno, a paralegal at CAMBA Legal Services and a member of UAW Local 2325, discussed the ongoing strike by legal services workers to secure better wages, improve parental leave and provide new measures to address burnout among staff.  

Today's edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Andrea Ringer, Associate Professor of History at Tennessee State University, who shared her insights on the labor history of circus workers from the late 19th to mid-20th century.    Rob Dorans, President Pro Tem of the Columbus City Council and Chief Legal Counsel for ACT Ohio, discussed his efforts to expand prevailing wage laws, combat wage theft and forgive medical debt for low-income residents.

On this edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Carie Rael, Assistant Professor in History at California State University, Long Beach, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 1984 Disneyland strike, recent labor victories and the evolving landscape of union representation at the theme park.   Tim Smith, Director of Region 8 for the United Auto Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss ongoing organizing efforts at Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tenn., recent investments by General Motors and the UAW's push to utilize existing manufacturing capacity in the U.S. auto industry.

This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Rudi Batzell, Associate Professor of History at Lake Forest College and former UAW Staff Organizer, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his book “Organizing Workers in the Shadow of Slavery.”  Ken Margolies, partner at Margolies, Potterton and Associates, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Union Search, a service helping labor organizations fill key staff positions. Margolies explored the growing need for executive search services in unions, the challenges of managing internal politics during hiring processes and strategies for objective candidate evaluation.  

On this edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, D. Caleb Smith, Assistant Professor of History at Mount Holyoke College, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the origins and evolution of affirmative action. Smith explored the term's roots in the 1935 National Labor Relations Act, its development through the Civil Rights era and its current challenges under the Trump administration. Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his concerns about Ohio's allocation of public funds to private schools, property tax reforms and potential impacts on public services.

In honor of the 131st year of Labor Day, the America's Work Force Union Podcast has partnered with the National Labor Office of Blue Cross Blue Shield to bring you Labor 131. Visiting lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Justin Jackson, joined the podcast to discuss the intertwining of labor history and warfare in the U.S.    Jennifer Bacon, President of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 15, and Alan Bond, Local 15 Assistant Business Agent, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent ICE detention of union member Fernando Rocha.

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, infrastructure investments and workforce development efforts.    Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Labor Congress for Latin American Advancement Convention, the AFL-CIO's nationwide bus tour and labor's efforts to combat harmful policies in Washington, D.C. 

Rushab Sanghvi, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) General Counsel, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's legal battles against the Trump administration's anti-union policies.    Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Duncan Lawson, Director of Market Intelligence for Government Programs at BCBSA, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

Jason Walsh, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the devastating impact of recent legislation on clean energy jobs.    Dave Jamieson, labor reporter for the HuffPost, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Trump administration's efforts to relocate thousands of U.S. Department of Agriculture workers out of Washington, D.C.

Brandon Mancilla, Director of Region 9A of the United Auto Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the UAW's recent organizing efforts, involvement in the New York City mayoral race and the ongoing legal services strike.   Jean Thielen, crisis counselor for the Trevor Project, spoke about the recent defunding of the 988 LGBTQ+ crisis hotline, its impact on vulnerable youth and the organization's ongoing efforts to provide support. 

Sarah Elmaleh, Chair of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee for SAG-AFTRA, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's recent contract negotiations with major video game studios.    Greg Regan, recently re-elected as President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, discussed the organization's 35th anniversary convention, key policy priorities and the challenges facing transportation infrastructure funding. 

Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and April Goggans, President of NTEU Chapter 250, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing federal workers. They addressed proposed budget cuts, workforce reductions and the impact on critical services provided by agencies like the IRS and Health and Human Services.   Steve Sallman, Director of Health, Safety and Environment for the United Steelworkers, discussed the critical role of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), proposed budget cuts to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the importance of workplace safety investigations.

Maya C. Miller, politics reporter for CalMatters, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss California's ongoing remote work debate for state workers, California budget challenges and the complexities of affordable housing legislation. Terrance Hall, a janitor and member of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent contract negotiations, the low wages in the janitorial industry and some of the challenges in bargaining a fair contract.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, member assistance programs and the retirement of trailblazer Gina Walsh Jerry Womick, Business Manager for LIUNA Local 773 and a Midwest Region Special International Representative, discussed the union's growth strategies, infrastructure projects in Illinois and community outreach efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mark Wallace, National President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential problems with Mexican crews operating trains in the U.S., the push for automated rail operations and the ongoing fight to maintain safety regulations. Tom Buffenbarger, retired International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Workforce Union Podcast to discuss interconnected industries, the potential impact of the current administration's policies and the need for a unified labor movement when facing future challenges.

Dr. Valerie Fouts-Fowler, Dr. Lauren Beene and Dr. Jennifer Snyder from Concerned UH Physicians joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their efforts to unionize physicians at University Hospitals in Cleveland, the challenges faced during the organizing process, the retaliation they experienced and the importance of unions in healthcare. Anders Lindall, Tracy Dulceak and Nell McKeown from American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31 joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent union organizing successes in Chicago's cultural institutions and higher education.

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization's centennial baseball tournament, the USA 250 Challenge and the Legion's impact on communities nationwide. Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, discussed the potential impact of budget cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and other programs, as well as their upcoming anniversaries.

Mark Dimondstein, President of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent ratification of a new contract for postal workers, the appointment of a new Postmaster General with ties to FedEx and the ongoing threats of privatization facing the U.S. Postal Service. Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the pending sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel and the upcoming political landscape for labor.

David Cann, Director of Organizing for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's response to federal workforce challenges, organizing strategies and the importance of collective action in protecting workers' rights.   Brad Asay, President of the American Federation of Teachers in Utah and Vice President of the Utah AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Protect Utah Workers coalition's successful petition drive, the upcoming ballot measure and efforts to safeguard public sector collective bargaining rights.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the state budget's impact on education, changes to the State Teachers Retirement System and new legislation affecting higher education in Ohio.   Tom Spiggle, founder of the Spiggle Law Firm and employment attorney, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the pay disparity highlighted by WNBA star Caitlin Clark's salary. Spiggle explored the structural barriers women face in the workforce, the impact of collective bargaining agreements on pay equity and ongoing efforts to address wage discrimination.

Andrew Strom, labor lawyer, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions involving a disabled firefighter, an Apple Store in New York and a Starbucks location in Los Angeles. Bob Funk, founder of LaborLab, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the rise in union-busting activities, the importance of transparency in labor relations and LaborLab's efforts to educate organizers about employer disclosure requirements.

Barry Winograd, arbitrator, mediator and adjunct law professor, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle federal sector unions. Winograd explored the legal challenges to Collective Bargaining Agreements, the use of national security as justification and the potential long-term impacts on workers' rights. David Leopold, an immigration and labor attorney, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the current state of immigration enforcement, its impact on workers and businesses and the urgent need for comprehensive reform.

Ashley Fueston, Vice President of the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's recent victory against proposed budget cuts, the importance of worker solidarity and the ongoing challenges faced by public sector employees in Washington state. Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Ohio's new flat tax, its impact on public services and the future of state funding. Halbert highlighted how the flat tax disproportionately benefits the wealthy, explained its negative impact on education funding and warned about potential long-term consequences for Ohio's budget.

Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild, Communications Workers of America (TNG-CWA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the use of artificial intelligence in journalism and the News Guild's lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. Schleuss also shared insights on recent union organizing efforts in the media industry. Len Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the ongoing flood recovery efforts in Texas, the impact of potential FEMA cuts and immigration issues affecting workers. Aguilar emphasized the need for long-term support and highlighted the labor movement's role in disaster response.

Frank Mathews, District 4 Administrative Director for the Communication Workers of America, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent budget bill signed by President Trump, its impact on working Americans and the challenges facing rural broadband expansion.  Dave Jamieson, a reporter for HuffPost, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the severe staffing shortages plaguing national parks, the Trump administration's push for early retirements and the long-term consequences of these cuts on park maintenance and visitor experiences.

Nina Mast, Economic Analyst at the Economic Policy Institute, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the shortcomings of the "No Tax on Tips" policy. She explained why this policy fails to benefit most workers, how it compares to raising the minimum wage and the broader implications for tax policy and worker welfare. Greg LeRoy, founder of Good Jobs First, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the trend of states losing billions in tax revenue to datacenter incentives, the potential impact on utility rates and the lack of incentive transparency in many states.

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 expansion of the Building Futures program, Prevailing Wage legislation and challenges with the Columbus airport project. Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the upcoming nationwide bus tour to “reclaim Labor Day,” criticized the Republican Party's recent policy decisions and emphasized the need to protect democracy.

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the "Big Ugly Bill," career-connected learning initiatives and the changing landscape of education and workforce development.  Schuyler Worthey, Business Representative for the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers Local 85 in Atlanta, discussed the union's efforts to attract young people to the sheet metal trade, their state-of-the-art training facility and the challenges faced in a So-Called “Right-To-Work” state.

Tony Liberatore Jr., Business Manager of LIUNA Local 860, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss work zone safety, the challenges faced by construction workers and the efforts to protect workers and drivers on America's highways. Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impact of proposed federal budget cuts on workforce development programs. He highlighted the potential elimination of crucial initiatives like Job Corps, dislocated worker programs and youth training, while explaining the broader consequences for workers, businesses and the economy.

Nick Juravich, Associate Director, and Steve Striffler, Director, of the Labor Resource Center and editors of "The Pandemic and the Working Class: How US Labor Navigated COVID-19," joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their book. The conversation covered the experiences of workers across industries, the resurgence of labor organizing and the ongoing challenges faced by universities. Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recently signed state budget and its implications for workers, education and healthcare. He highlighted the continued expansion of school vouchers, Gov. Mike DeWine's line-item vetoes and potential Medicaid cuts.

Amie Baca-Oehlert, former president of the Colorado Education Association (CEA) and candidate for Congress in Colorado's 8th District, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her transition from education to politics, the challenges facing workers and her vision for change. Troy Swanson, legislative chair of the Cook County College Teachers Union, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his report "Facing the AI Future: A Call to Action for Union Leaders." Swanson explored the potential impact of AI on jobs, the need for union preparedness and strategies to protect workers during this technological transition.

Liz Perlman, Executive Director of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing University of California (UC) workers. She discussed income inequality between executives and frontline staff, the impact of recent layoffs and the union's efforts to protect immigrant workers amid increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Merrilee Logue (National Labor Office), Keisha Adams (Blue Cross Blue Shield Association) and Jennifer Bateman (Boys & Girls Clubs of America) joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to provide an update on the partnership between BCBSA companies and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. They highlighted the first discussion of the collaboration on AWF back in May 2024, then discussed the implementation of trauma-informed practices, the impact of trauma-informed specialists and the Apprenticeship Readiness Workshop initiative.

Donna Seering, Director of Workforce Development and Innovation at Melwood Community Services, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Building PATHS program, which trains people with disabilities for careers in construction and skilled trades. Zoe Karns, a journeyman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 146 and president of Illinois Pride at Work, shared her experience as a transgender electrician. She discussed her transition journey, workplace acceptance and the challenges facing trans individuals in the trades.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, firestop awareness and the industry's potential job growth. David Spero, National President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the proposed $22 billion in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding, the need for more technicians and the challenges of upgrading the national airspace system.

Lindsay Leeder, Senior Vice President of Labor Union and Trust at Lantern Care, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the rising healthcare costs facing unions, Lantern's approach to specialty care and strategies for containing expenses while ensuring quality care for members. 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 rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, its potential impact on the workforce and the decline of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

As part of Cancer Survivor Awareness Month, America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Miranda Kruse, a cancer survivor, and her mother, Teresa Kruse, a caregiver and fellow survivor, who shared their experiences with cancer diagnosis and treatment. They discussed the importance of early detection, the challenges of recovery and their involvement with Color Health's Cancer Connect program, which provides mental health support for cancer patients and survivors. Matt Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss provisions in the U.S. Senate's "Big Beautiful Bill," and its impact on federal unions, healthcare access and jobs across various sectors.

Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion's Media and Communications Division, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Legion's century-long involvement in youth baseball, the consequences of a broken immigration system and the importance of America's global leadership. Lisa Cutler, Communications Director for the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the future of Social Security, potential Medicaid cuts in Congress and the ripple effects of healthcare policy changes on private insurance premiums.

Tony Cardwell, President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWED) – a division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters – joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential dangers of proposed autonomous track inspections, the importance of human inspectors and the anticipated consequences of reducing mandated inspections. Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, discussed the recent approval of Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel, highlighting concerns about job security, union representation and national security implications.

Arnold Scott, National Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing attacks on federal workers, particularly at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the administration's attempts to strip union rights and AFGE's efforts to fight back through legal action and advocacy. Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, discussed the union's success in recertification elections, legislative victories against anti-union measures and ongoing challenges in public education.