America's Work Force Union Podcast

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America's Work Force Union Podcast provides a clear and unfiltered voice for the working people of America. Radio veteran Ed “Flash” Ferenc leads the discussion with a focus on topics that include the impact of labor unions in America, workers’ rights, legislative actions and labor-management relations. Featured guests include various labor leaders, politicians, journalists and more. America's Work Force Union Podcast provides updates and information from sources around the United States and continues to be the trusted voice for workers across the country.

BMA Media Group


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 54m AVG DURATION
    • 1,287 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from America's Work Force Union Podcast

    Jody Calemine, AFL-CIO | Dave Steiger, Attorney

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 50:00


    Jody Calemine, the AFL-CIO's Director of Advocacy, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss attacks on federal unions, the crisis at the National Labor Relations Board and proposed legislation affecting workers' rights. Dave Steiger, a Cleveland attorney, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed a recent Ohio Supreme Court case involving a workplace fatality in a steel plant near Canton, Ohio.

    Michael Baldwin, BRS | Chuck Stiles, Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 49:28


    Michael Baldwin, President of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss rail industry issues. Baldwin addressed the push for deregulation, challenges with the Railroad Retirement Board and the importance of state-level engagement in rail safety legislation. Chuck Stiles, Assistant Director of Solid Waste and Recycling Division for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent organizing victories, contract negotiations and some of the ongoing challenges in the waste management industry.

    Lindsay Dougherty, Teamsters | Merrilee Logue, NLO, Ruthie Fesahazion-Fortune, BCBSA

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 51:50


    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, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast. 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. Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office (NLO) at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), and Dr. Ruthie Fesahazion-Fortune, Project Director for Clinical Affairs at BCBSA, discuss the mental health crisis facing American workers. In this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, they explore common mental health challenges, workplace impacts and BCBSA's strategies to address these issues.

    Troy Swanson, CCCTU | Dr. Jessica Provines, Wichita State University, Suspenders4Hope

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 56:56


    Troy Swanson, Legislative Chair for the Cook County College Teachers Union (CCCTU), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Illinois Senate Bill 1693, the impact of proposed federal budget cuts on community colleges and the importance of Pell Grants and TRIO programs. Dr. Jessica Provines, Assistant Vice President for Wellness and Chief Psychologist at Wichita State University, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss mental health awareness, Suspenders4Hope and the importance of peer support in mental health.

    James Petrides, Mechanical Insulators LMCT | Sean Allen, Union Proud Warrior

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 48:43


    Jim Petrides, senior mechanical insulation specialist for the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent study in the Houston area, work opportunities for signatory contractors and the need for education in the industry. Sean Allen, President of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 21 — a Local within BAC Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois —  and a fourth-generation tradesman, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast. He discussed the Union Proud Warrior platform, the impact of social media on union organizing and the challenges of addressing anti-union sentiment.

    Charlie Falkner, Ironworkers Local 8 | Tom Buffenbarger

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 48:34


    Charlie Falkner, Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 8 in Milwaukee, Wisc., joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's growth, upcoming events and industry challenges. Tom Buffenbarger, retired General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel partnership, the potential impact of fluctuating tariffs and Boeing.

    Sri Benson, American Legion | Richard Sherman, American Legion

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 53:39


    Sri Benson, a policy analyst at the American Legion, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast this Memorial Day to share the story of his late wife Katie and her battle with mesothelioma due to burn pit exposure. He shared their challenges with the VA for service-related recognition and his advocacy for veterans' rights through legislative efforts like the PACT Act and Dole Act. Richard Sherman, a U.S. Navy veteran, Legionnaire and photographer, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast this Memorial Day to discuss his photographic tribute to fallen service members, the personal stories behind the headstones and the impact his project has had on his life.

    John Lepley, USW | Dr. Mike McDonald and Brenda Thompson, Birdsong Hearing

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 46:56


    Dr. Mike McDonald, Director of Audiology, and Brenda Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Birdsong Hearing Benefits, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of hearing loss on mental health, workplace performance and overall well-being. John Lepley, Director of Education for the United Steelworkers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the critical intersection of mental health and the workplace, the role of education in addressing mental health issues and the evolving perception of mental health in the labor movement.

    Johnny Jones, AFGE | Champ Zavala, BMWED-IBT UPRF

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 53:25


    Johnny Jones, Council Secretary/Treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Trump administration's efforts to privatize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), its impact on workers' rights and potential consequences for public safety. Champ Zavala, Vice Chairperson of the United Passenger Rail Federation, part of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes—a division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters—joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast today. He discussed rail safety, the ongoing funding challenges for public transit in Illinois and the personal impact of workplace safety violations.

    Chris Lalevee, IUOE | Manja Horner, BOOST

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 58:32


    Chris Lalevee, Business Agent for International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 and Director of the IUOE Peer Support Program, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss mental health awareness in the construction industry, his personal experience with mental health challenges, the importance of recognizing signs of crisis in coworkers and how the IUOE is implementing their peer support program. Manja Horner, CEO of Boost, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss enhancing union leadership and productivity through effective communication, identifying and developing leadership within unions and the role of Boost, a company dedicated to improving performance in skilled trades and unions, in supporting union growth.

    Melissa Cropper, OFT | Illinois State Rep. Marcus C. Evans, District 33

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 55:59


    Marcus C. Evans Jr., State Representative for Illinois' 33rd district and Chairman of the Labor Committee, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss public transit funding in Illinois, the need for enhanced safety measures and the power of collective action in demanding better public services. Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the battle for fair school funding, attacks on collective bargaining rights for teachers and the potential impact of Medicaid cuts on children.

    Shaun Richman, SUNY Empire State University | Bryce Covert, The Nation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 56:51


    Shaun Richman, labor historian, professor and author, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his new book "We Always Had a Union: The Story of the New York Hotel Workers Union, 1912-1953."  Bryce Covert, contributing writer at The Nation, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her recent article that investigated sexual harassment claims at McDonald's.

    Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 52:42


    Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the June edition of The American Legion Magazine, which includes stories about the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, manufacturing's return to America and issues with VA claims processing. Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America's Workforce Union Podcast to dissect the implications of what he calls the "big brutal bill"—more formally known as the U.S. House Spending Bill—currently under discussion. These include significant cuts to Medicaid, potential threats to Social Security and Medicare and the chaotic legislative process surrounding these issues.

    Doreen Greenwald, NTEU | Pat Gallagher, North Coast Area Labor Federation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 46:25


    Doreen Greenwald, President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the threats facing federal workers' collective bargaining agreements, the impact of budget cuts on IRS operations and the importance of protecting federal employee data. Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss some of the recent challenges facing the steel industry, such as the Cleveland Cliffs' facility closures, the significance of the rail mill in Stilton, Pa. and the upcoming Ohio AFL-CIO Legislative Conference.

    Sonya Bohmann, CIAFSP | Greg Regan, TTD AFL-CIO

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 50:19


    Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization's mission, available resources and the importance of destigmatizing mental health conversations in the workplace. Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss rail safety regulations, challenges in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Infrastructure Week.

    Frank Mathews, CWA District 4 | David Spero, PASS

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 51:08


    Frank Mathews, District 4 Administrative Director for the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss threats to broadband equity, the push for fiber over satellite internet and proposed Medicaid cuts. David Spero, President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent system failures at Newark Liberty International Airport, the need for updated infrastructure and the challenges caused by insufficient funding.

    Sarah Anderson, IPS | Matt Biggs, IFPTE

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 50:59


    Sarah Anderson, Director of the Global Economy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the disparities between executive and worker compensation, the intricacies of the U.S. tax system and possible reforms to create a more equitable economic landscape. Matt Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impact of proposed federal workforce cuts, the implications of ongoing tax cut debates and the challenges surrounding immigration judges under current policies.

    Paul Mueller Jr., ABOC | Jessica Martinez, National COSH

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 59:21


    Paul Mueller Jr., Vice President of Commercial Lending at ABOC, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the intricacies of construction lending for unions, the importance of early lender involvement, the unique aspects of union construction lending and the steps in financing union construction projects. Jessica Martinez, Executive Director of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the statistics of workplace injuries and fatalities, the annual release of the 2025 Dirty Dozen report highlighting negligent employers and the greater challenges faced by immigrant workers in hazardous industries.

    Pete Smith, Confyde | Andrew Strom, OnLabor Blog

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 53:26


    Continuing our coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month, Pete Smith, founder of Confyde, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the platform's development, its application in sports and business and the importance of confidential mental health support. Andrew Strom, a labor lawyer and OnLabor contributor, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the disparity between CEO and average worker pay, the ineffectiveness of disclosure laws and CEO benefits that further expand wage disparity.

    Al Baraza, IUPAT | Dave Megenhardt, ULA

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 53:57


    Al Barraza, Director of Organizing for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 14, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a campaign for worker safety at Sure Built Concrete Forms and Accessories.  Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the agency's efforts in supporting displaced federal workers in Northeast Ohio and promoting mental health awareness. 

    Cal Beyer, SAFE Project | Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 56:41


    Continuing our coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month, Cal Beyer, Senior Director of Safe Workplaces for the Stop the Addiction Fatality Epidemic (SAFE) Project, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the intersection of substance abuse, mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry. Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss pressing legislative issues affecting Ohio's workers and an upcoming legislative conference to address these challenges.

    Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas | Ed. Bartlett Jr., Bartlett Maritime Corporation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 63:13


    Continuing our Mental Health Awareness Month coverage, Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, clinical psychologist and mental health advocate, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the importance of changing workplace culture, applying safety principles to mental health and a preview of 2026's annual mental health summit. Capt. Ed Bartlett Jr., Founder/CEO of Bartlett Maritime Corporation and U.S. Navy veteran, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need to rebuild America's industrial capacity, the importance of skilled labor and Bartlett Maritime Corporation's workforce partnership with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers to meet national security demands.

    Dorsey Hager, C/COBCTC | Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 53:08


    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 recent economic challenges, ongoing projects and outreach efforts in the Central Ohio construction industry. Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of recent tariffs on the economy, the rollback of safety regulations under the Trump administration and ongoing challenges faced by unions in protecting workers' rights.

    Construction Working Minds Summit Panelists

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 71:13


    The America's Work Force Union Podcast proudly sponsored a panel discussion held earlier this year at the Fourth Annual Construction Working Minds Summit in Dallas. The summit's purpose is to support mental health awareness in the building trades. To kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, today's show features discussions from that panel, called Health Building Blocks for the Building Trades. Panel guests included:  Alanna Marklund, Special Representative, United Association Canada Ben Bradshaw, Business Manager, UA Local 100 in Dallas Mike Hazard, Program Administrator, United Association Veterans in Piping Program Pete Ielmini, Executive Director, Mechanical Insulators LMCT James Pursell, Peer Support Specialist, Laborers LEAN STL 

    Robert Peters, Illinois State Senator | Greg Regan, TTD

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 54:17


    Illinois State Sen. Robert Peters joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his journey into politics, Illinois' pro-worker legislation and efforts to prepare Illinois residents for careers in the trades. Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the alarming rise in violence against transit workers, the urgent need for investment in air traffic control systems and the importance of fully funding the Maritime Security Program.

    Jalen Alexander, SPWU | Tom Buffenbarger

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 51:37


    Jalen Alexander, President of the Social Policy Workers United — affiliated with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 57 — joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the impact of federal funding reductions on nonprofit workers and the importance of union solidarity during layoffs. Tom Buffenbarger, former International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of tariffs on the economy, challenges in the shipbuilding industry and the importance of maintaining worker safety standards.

    Jill Manrique, Chicago Jobs With Justice | Tim Drea, Illinois AFL-CIO

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 50:30


    Jill Manrique, Executive Director of Chicago Jobs with Justice, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Workers' Memorial Day, immigrant worker rights and the upcoming May Day celebration in Chicago.  This Workers' Memorial Day, Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the importance of worker safety, the impact of legislative efforts in Illinois and the role of unions in safeguarding labor rights.

    Stacey Hofert, Progyny | Donnie Blatt, USW

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 49:45


    Stacey Hofert, Group Vice President of Labor and Trust for Progyny, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss National Infertility Awareness Week, the prevalence of infertility and how Progyny, fertility, family building and women's health benefits fund, addresses the issue. Donnie Blatt, District 1 Director for the United Steelworkers (USW), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the USW Constitutional Convention, the impact of tariffs on the steel industry and the union's community outreach efforts.

    Cathy Kennedy, National Nurses United | Merrilee Logue, BCBS NLO

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 55:30


    Cathy Kennedy, a President of National Nurses United, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impact of staffing cuts at Veterans Affairs hospitals, the urgent need for better legislation to prevent workplace violence and the push for Medicare for All. 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 statistics related to cancer diagnoses, the importance of preventive care and screenings and a union's role in supporting members through their cancer journeys.

    Pete Ielmini, LMCT | Tyler Lefeber, Color Health, Maria Scheeler, Teamsters Philadelphia & Vicinity

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 56:42


    Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the importance of firestopping, the progress of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act and the role of unions in advancing firestopping and insulation initiatives. Maria Scheeler, Fund Adminstrator for the Teamsters Health & Welfare and Pension Funds of Philadelphia and Vicinity, and Tyler Lefeber, Director of Labor & Trust Sales at Color Health, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss innovative approaches to cancer prevention and care for union members including early detection, comprehensive support and the evolving landscape of personalized healthcare.

    Nick Yelverton, Springfield & Central Illinois Trades & Labor Council | Brad Asay, Utah AFL-CIO

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 48:51


    Nick Yelverton, President of the Springfield and Central Illinois Trades and Labor Council and Legislative Director for the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey in union leadership, the significance of Workers Memorial Day and the current political climate affecting labor rights.  Brad Asay, Vice President of the Utah AFL-CIO and President of the American Federation of Teachers in Utah, returned to the America's Work Force Union Podcast to update listeners on their fight against attacks on public sector collective bargaining rights, challenges faced by labor and the next steps in the fight.

    Lynn Rhinehart, EPI and Lauren McFerren, The Century Foundation | Pat Gallagher, NCLF

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2025 50:57


    Lynn Rhinehart, Senior Fellow at the Economic Policy Institute, and Lauren McFerren, Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation and former National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) chairman, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss threats to labor law and worker protections through the dismantling of federal agencies, attempts to invalidate NLRB decisions and what this means for workers' rights and union representation. Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Utah's recent collective bargaining battle, his meeting with U.S. Congressmen Ro Khanna, and the Ohio AFL-CIO's upcoming legislative conference.

    Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 50:25


    Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for The American Legion, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss quality of life issues in the military, the politicization of the armed forces and upcoming 250th anniversary events for several of the U.S. military branches. Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a federal court decision temporarily halting the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) access to sensitive Social Security data and the staffing and service issues at the Social Security Administration. He also outlined the Alliance's nationwide efforts to protect retirees' benefits.

    Tim Holahan, Broadstripes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 37:55


    Jessica LaPointe, AFGE Council 220 | John Jarger, MACRC

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2025 53:28


    Jessica LaPointe, President of AFGE Council 220, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the critical challenges facing the Social Security Administration (SSA), like staffing, policy changes impacting beneficiaries and ongoing threats to union contracts. John Jarger, Director of Operations for the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council (MACRC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the financial impact of worker misclassification, the proactive measures being taken by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the importance of legislative action to combat these challenges.

    Alyssa Goodstein, IL AFL-CIO | Melissa Cropper, OFT

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 52:56


    Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers and Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the dismantling of the fair school funding formula, cuts to library funding and a push to eliminate elected positions on the State Board of Education. Alyssa Goodstein, Communications Director for the Illinois AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her background in labor history, the impact of storytelling in union organizing and an upcoming digital media workshop aimed at empowering labor communicators.

    Nancy Altman, Social Security Works | Greg LeRoy, Good Jobs First

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 52:58


    Nancy Altman, President of the political advocacy group, Social Security Works, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Social Security Administration data breach, the potential appointment of a new Social Security commissioner and the need for public engagement.  Greg LeRoy, Executive Director of Good Jobs First, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of corporate subsidies, the financial burden of data centers and the role its Violation Tracker can play in holding companies accountable.

    Brad Asay, Utah AFL-CIO | Andrew Strom, OnLabor Blog

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 54:20


    Brad Asay, Vice President of the Utah AFL-CIO and President of the American Federation of Teachers- Utah, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent legislation banning public sector collective bargaining, the coalition's efforts to overturn the law through a ballot referendum and the challenges they face in gathering signatures before an April 16 deadline. Andrew Strom, a labor lawyer, OnLabor contributor and adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the state of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the implications of the Trump administration's legal theories on the NLRB's independence and the impact the NLRB is having on workers' rights while under threat.

    Katie Harris, Blue Green Alliance | Len DiCosimo, Cleveland Federation of Musicians

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 50:36


    Katie Harris, Blue Green Alliance Vice President of Federal Affairs, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss climate policy, environmental regulations and worker protections.  Len DiCosimo, President of the Cleveland Federation of Musicians, American Federation of Musicians Local 4, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the significance of Workers Memorial Day, the ongoing challenges faced by unions and the innovative Solidarity Series music event.

    David Holt, CEA | Jacob Morrison, North Alabama Area Labor Council

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 59:52


    David Holt, President of the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need for affordable and reliable energy solutions, the impact of recent policy changes on energy prices and challenges posed by increasing demand from artificial intelligence and data centers. Jacob Morrison, President of the North Alabama Area Labor Council and co-host of The Valley Labor Report, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the introduction of paid parental leave for state employees, the potential ban on Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) and recent “Hands Off” rallies against federal policies.

    Frank Mathews, CWA District 4 | Sherry Linkon, Kalmanovitz Initiative

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 49:28


    Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent Wisconsin Supreme Court election, nationwide Hands Off rallies and the importance of fiber optic broadband infrastructure funding. Sherry Linkon, affiliated faculty at the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University, joined America's Workforce Union Podcast to discuss the deindustrialization of Washington, D.C., the impact of federal job cuts and the ongoing attacks on higher education. 

    Michael Linden, Families over Billionaires | Hannah Halbert, Policy Matters Ohio

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 50:49


    Michael Linden, Campaign Director for Families Over Billionaires, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the federal government's proposed $5 trillion tax cut, its impact on working families and the campaign's efforts to ensure fair taxation. Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Ohio's scrapped fair school funding plan, the implications of prioritizing stadium funding over education and the potential impact on local communities.

    Dorsey Hager, CCOBCTC | Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 49:28


    Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus and Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council (CCOBCTC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impact of recent tariffs on construction projects, the construction delays on the Intel plant project and the importance of local elections. Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the intersection of labor and civil rights, the implications of recent tariffs and the political shifts evident in recent elections.

    Lynn Rhinehart, EPI | Matt Biggs, IFPTE

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 51:27


    Lynn Rhinehart, a Senior Fellow at the Economic Policy Institute and former General Counsel of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the dismantling of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), the broader implications of Trump's executive orders on federal unions and potential consequences for the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Matt Biggs, President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the strained U.S.-Canada relations, the executive order targeting federal employee collective bargaining rights and the impact recent federal actions have had on immigration judges and Social Security administrative law judges.

    Jimmy Williams Jr., IUPAT | Frank Mathews, CWA District 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 47:38


    Jimmy Williams Jr., General President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss President Trump's executive order targeting federal unions, the importance of organizing and the need for labor to stand up for free speech. Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent judicial victory in Wisconsin, the role of labor in political advocacy and the implications of tariffs on working families.

    Robert J. Majdecki, ABOC | Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 45:38


    Rob Majdecki, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at Amalgamated Bank of Chicago (ABOC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss navigating economic challenges, maximizing investment opportunities and the unique perspective of a union-founded bank. Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss threats to collective bargaining rights, the implications of Senate Bill 1 (SB1) in Ohio and the broader impact of federal policies on the labor movement.

    Mark Dimondstein, APWU | Kelly Dufour, Common Cause Ohio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 54:28


    Mark Dimondstein, President of the American Postal Workers Union, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the likely consequences of privatizing the U.S. Postal Service and efforts to protect this public institution. Kelly Dufour, Voting and Elections Manager at Common Cause Ohio, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impact of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, its impact on voter accessibility and the challenges it poses to election officials.

    Eric Hill, SkillsUSA Illinois, and Armondo Perez, Student | Randi Pearson, USW

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 52:55


    Eric Hill, Executive Director of SkillsUSA Illinois, and Armondo Perez, a high school computer science student, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization's impact on workforce development, pre-apprenticeship programs and student advocacy efforts. Randi Pearson, Director of the Women of Steel program at the United Steelworkers, joined the America's Workforce Union Podcast and highlighted the program's educational initiatives, its role in fostering leadership among women and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workforce.

    Pennie McCoach, ATU Local 308 | Tim Drea, Illinois AFL-CIO

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 52:24


    Pennie McCoach, President and Business Agent of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 308, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey from being a single mother to union leadership, the challenges facing women in transit and the funding shortfall threatening Chicago's public transportation system. Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the $770 million funding shortfall for Illinois transit, the impact of federal decisions on Local Unions and the importance of union solidarity in legislative advocacy.

    Pete Ielmini, Mechanical Insulators LMCT | Merrilee Logue, NLO, and Lynn Pina, GeoBlue

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 49:45


    Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the efforts to reintroduce the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, the success of their Firestop Market Recovery Program and the importance of properly installed mechanical insulation in federal buildings. Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and Lynn Pina, Chief Marketing Officer at GeoBlue, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the benefits of GeoBlue, the necessity of additional coverage when traveling abroad and how GeoBlue can assist union members and their families during their international travel plans this summer.

    Pat Devaney, IL AFL-CIO | Tom Buffenbarger

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 53:49


    Pat Devaney, Secretary-Treasurer of the Illinois AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of pension cuts, their impact on public workers and efforts to restore retirement security through the Fix Tier 2 campaign. Tom Buffenbarger, former International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the fighter jet contract awarded to Boeing, challenges facing pension security and controversy surrounding the future of Social Security.

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