America's Work Force Union Podcast

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.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Ohio's underfunding of public schools, challenges to labor rights in higher education and the importance of union leadership development. President of United University Professions Fred Kowal joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing higher education under the Trump administration, the importance of labor unity and strategies for engaging the public on critical issues.

John Coleman, Co-Chair of the Met AGMA Negotiating Committee, and Annie Hollister, Counsel for the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their new one-year contract with the Metropolitan Opera.  David Madland, senior fellow and advisor to the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress (CAP), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent research on voter preferences, the disconnect between public opinion and policy implementation and the current state of unions and the middle class.

Andrew Strom, labor lawyer, adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School and OnLabor Blog contributor, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of Trump-appointed judges on labor cases, proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the importance of enforcing labor laws. Len DiCosimo, President of the American Federation of Musicians Local 4, discussed upcoming music industry conferences in Cleveland, the impact of political decisions on the arts and a new musician-led protest movement.

Jacob Morrison, co-host of The Valley Labor Report and member of the North Alabama Area Labor Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss labor issues in Alabama, the impact of federal budget cuts and the state's political landscape. Morrison shared insights on protests against immigration enforcement, the effects of federal agency cuts on Alabama's workforce and the potential implications of Tommy Tuberville's gubernatorial announcement. Catherine Turcer from Common Cause Ohio, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss changes to campaign finance laws proposed in Ohio's budget, potential misuse of unclaimed funds and ongoing attacks on direct democracy initiatives.

Following Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, Kimberly Kam, Senior Vice President and Sales Director for Union Commercial Services at the Amalgamated Bank of Chicago (ABOC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast. She discussed her journey as an Asian American in the financial sector, strategies for overcoming cultural challenges and her involvement in empowering entrepreneurs in low-income countries. Jacqueline Cañola, Professional Development & Technical Assistance Program Manager with the Service Employees International Union Education and Support Fund, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges faced by family child care educators, support efforts through the We Empower Providers Assembly (WEPA) Conference and progress made through collective bargaining.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the recent policy changes affecting its implementation and the potential impact on rural communities. Kalena Thomhave, a freelance journalist based in Pittsburgh, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her story on Capital & Main about the United Steelworkers' victory at Blue Bird Corporation in Georgia and its impact on organizing in the South.

LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota's Kevin Pranis, Marketing Manager, and Steve Cortina, Organizer in North Dakota, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing local workers in the wind energy sector. They talked about the influx of out-of-state workers, their impact on local communities and strategies to combat these issues. Debbie Goldman, retired Communications Workers of America (CWA) labor researcher and author of "Disconnected: Call Center Workers Fight for Good Jobs in the Digital Age," joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast. She discussed the transformation of call center work, the impact of technology on workers and the ongoing fight for fair labor practices in the digital era.

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 economic challenges in Central Ohio, ongoing construction projects and a union-busting case impacting Teamsters Local 284. Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss proposed Medicaid cuts, their impact on healthcare access and potential job losses at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Tom Spiggle, labor and employment law attorney and founder of The Spiggle Law Firm, discussed the Trump administration's attacks on federal workers, legal challenges to union rights and the Supreme Court's role in these disputes. Samantha Sanders, Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Trump administration's actions against workers in its first 100 days, highlighting the administration's attacks on collective bargaining rights, diversity initiatives and worker safety regulations.

Irma Westmoreland, Secretary-Treasurer of National Nurses United, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the proposed cuts to VA staff, the need for full collective bargaining rights and the importance of maintaining quality care for veterans. Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their recent legislative conference in Columbus, Ohio. Burga highlighted three key issues: the fair school funding formula, unemployment compensation trust fund solvency and the ongoing threat of So-Called “Right-To-Work” legislation.

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, 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, 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, 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.

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, 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.