Podcasts about construction trades council

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.

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.

April 10, 2025 ~ Pat Devlin, Leader of the Michigan Building and Construction Trades Council joins Jennifer Mefford in for Paul W Smith.

March 14, 2025 - Construction unions and their allies in the state legislature are hoping to rewrite the laws governing the application of prevailing wage, pushing language that would expand when it applies and eliminating an obscure review board. We discuss this legislative campaign with Gary LaBarbera, president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York.

Today approximately 77 million Americans, or 1 in 3 adults have a criminal record. While not everyone represented in this statistic has experienced incarceration, it serves to highlight that the barriers formerly incarcerated people face finding quality jobs are far more commonplace than we might think. Many returning citizens, who worked for little or no pay while incarcerated, will struggle to find quality jobs after release. Discrimination against those with a record, restrictions on what occupational licenses are available to those with a record, existing debts, punitive court supervision policies, and lack of support to meet basic needs in areas such as housing can force those leaving incarceration into dead-end, low-paying, and exploitative jobs. Some will find they are barred from doing the  jobs they worked or were trained to do while incarcerated. And many more lacked opportunities to participate in education or training opportunities while incarcerated.But across the country, innovative efforts are underway to revamp our re-entry system by opening up access to good jobs.  New laws to wipe criminal records and address occupational licensing barriers, legal action aimed at discrimination, and a growing coalition of  employers and union leaders are showing that providing a second chance is possible.In this virtual event — hosted by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program on February 26, 2025 — we explore the opportunities and challenges accessing good jobs for people after incarceration. Our conversation features opening remarks from Sappho Fulton (Womxn Beyond Borders), followed by a panel discussion with Daryl V. Atkinson (Forward Justice), Beth Avery (National Employment Law Project), Sharon Dietrich (Community Legal Services), Minna Long (Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council), Gina Schaefer (A Few Cool Hardware Stores), and moderator Jamiles Lartey (The Marshall Project).This discussion is the second in our two-part series, “Work Behind and Beyond Bars: Improving Job Quality During and After Incarceration.” Our first discussion, “A Hidden Workforce: Prison Labor, Human Rights, and the Legacy of Slavery,” is available here.For more information, including a transcript, speaker bios, and additional resources, visit: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/events/re-entry-and-good-jobs-building-the-second-chances-we-all-believe-in/ For highlights from this discussion, subscribe to EOP's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AspenEOPOr subscribe to the “Opportunity in America” podcast to listen on the go: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aspeneopJoin us March 19 on Zoom for our next event, “Driving the Economy: The Essential and Undervalued Work of Truckers”: https://aspeninstitute.zoom.us/webinar/register/3717407587547/WN_VamBysDcQf6DbDg73R2DfA

Robert Camarillo, Executive Secretary of the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent executive order from Gov. Tina Kotek mandating Project Labor Agreements on certain state-funded construction projects. Tom Buffenbarger, former International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to share his insights on the evolving landscape of labor rights and the challenges posed by the new Trump administration.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to highlight the work progress in Central Ohio, the region's growth and the challenges faced along the way. America's Work Force Union Podcast welcomed back Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, who discussed the challenges and opportunities facing organized labor as the country prepares for a new administration.

In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, the America's Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Tony DiPerna, National Director of Apprenticeship and Training at the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF). DiPerna discussed the evolving landscape of apprenticeship training and the significant strides made in the diversification and modernization of the masonry trades. As part of our continued coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, the America's Work Force Union Podcast explored a partnership to connect Native American communities with the building trades. Joining the discussion were Jason Ehlert, President of the North Dakota State Building and Construction Trades Council, and Iman Moore, Native American Career and Technical Education Project (NACTEP) Project Director, who shared insights into their collaborative efforts to foster apprenticeship opportunities for Native American populations.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to share updates on Intel and other construction projects in Central Ohio. He also discussed the demand for building unions to provide well-trained members to handle new construction projects. Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts leading up to Election Day. He shared some of the concerns from union members about the election and what their vote could mean for the future.

LaborPress Radio Featuring Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary LaBarbera and Alex Garrett 9-5-24 from the High-Speed Rail Event !Find out more at laborpress.org! 

LaborPress Radio Featuring Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York President Gary LaBarbera and Alex Garrett 9-5-24 from the High-Speed Rail Event !Find out more at laborpress.org! 

Chris Mills Rodrigo, Institute for Policy Studies Managing Editor, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a report he authored called “Leveraging the CHIPS Program to create good jobs for all semiconductor workers.” Mike Knisley, Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the robust construction environment in the state, which he credits to good policy made in Washington, D.C.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to provide an update on the Intel megaproject in Central Ohio. He also discussed the need for better infrastructure in Central Ohio and their Labor Day community event. Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss an event in New York City to kick off a new high-speed rail project. Redmond also discussed canvassing campaigns across the country and what they are doing to educate union members about the difference in pro-worker policies between the presidential candidates.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to provide updates on multiple megaprojects in Central Ohio and how the construction boom will impact the infrastructure in the region. He also talked about the need to recruit future generations of tradespeople and how the Ohio State Fair plays a role. Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss why they endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris following President Joe Biden's announcement that he'd be stepping down from his reelection campaign. Redmond also discussed the educational resources available to anyone seeking more information about the pro-labor stances of the candidates.

Last year Chris Hannan was named President of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, which represents nearly half a million members in the construction trades. Hannan had earlier served as the Executive Secretary of the Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building and Construction Trades Council. SBCTC is one of the biggest players in California labor politics, particularly in housing policy. President Hannan joined us to talk about the trades, about his own journey from apprentice pipe fitter to the president's office and about the role of union construction workers in California's future.All that, plus Who Had the Worst Week in California Politics.1:03 What has the first year been like?4:41 The transition to leadership6:26 SoCal vs. NorCal9:36 Impact of state's Budget deficit on SBCTC11:36 California's big infrastructure projects14:55 The differing views on Housing policy17:05 How to get into the trades22:46 WWCAWant to support the Capitol Weekly Podcast? Make your tax deductible donation here: capitolweekly.net/donations/ Capitol Weekly Podcast theme is "Pickin' My Way" by Eddie Lang "#WorstWeekCA" Beat provided by freebeats.io

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 ongoing efforts to secure a Community Benefits Agreement for the Columbus airport expansion. He also talked about the continued interest in bringing new technology projects to Central Ohio and a recent leaked memo causing a rift between a new Columbus City School Board member and Local unions. David Green, Director of the United Auto Workers Region 2B, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the recent bargaining and organizing wins for members. Green also talked about the growing issues with Stellantis and members of Local 12 in Toledo, Ohio. Finally, he talked about several training classes and upcoming organizing drives.

John Cantrell fills in for Kevin; Lindsey graduates; Tom fires off after reading that the Northwest Indiana Building and Construction Trades Council endorsed U.S. Senator Mike Braun for IN Governor; did President Biden just legalize weed; former Congressman George Santos now dressing in drag for his Cameo videos; South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem shot and killed her family's dog; Democrats to save Speaker of the House Mike Johnson against Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene's motion to vacate; an AI-generated LOCPOD theme song?

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the North American Building Trades Union Legislative Conference, getting more people into the trades and an update on the status of the Intel project.  Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer for the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their report, Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect, 2024. Redmond discussed the rise of workplace injuries involving minority workers and why there have been so many issues getting employers to provide proper protections for workers.

Joining America's Work Force Union Podcast, was Gary LaBarbera, who is the President of the Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC) of Greater New York and the President of the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council. He discussed the PLAs that have been created for renewable energy projects in New York, including the recent Empire Wind project. Executive-Secretary of the North Shore AFL-CIO, Len DiCosimo, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the efforts to obtain the signatures required to get the Ohio Citizens Redistricting Amendment on the November ballot.

Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Dorsey Hager, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a new contract between Transport Workers Union of America Local 208 and the Central Ohio Transit Authority. Hager also discussed proposed improvements to the regional transit infrastructure and the ongoing issues with the John Glenn International Airport terminal expansion project. As the America's Work Force Union Podcast wraps up its Black History Month coverage, we have one bonus segment. Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, joined us to talk about his journey from a young black man working with his father as a Steelworker in Chicago to eventually becoming the highest-ranking African-American in the history of the labor movement.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the out-of-town construction manager hired for to oversee work at John Glenn Columbus International Airport that refuses to sign a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the kick-off events he's attended to begin Black History Month. Redmond also discussed migrant workers and Liz Schuler's Year of Labor 2023 article.

Policy Director for the American Federation of Government Employees, Jacqueline Simon, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the latest deadline for spending resolutions that need to be passed by Congress to avoid a government shut down and what that means for AFGE members. She also discussed the Federal Fiscal Commission and why implementing the commission would be a mistake. Executive Secretary and Business Manager for the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Dave Wondolowski joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Cleveland Port Authority's decision to overturn Prevailing Wage requirements and the impact that will have on workers in the community. Wondolowski also talked about Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su's recent visit to Cleveland to announce the final rule to President Joe Biden's Executive Order requiring Project Labor Agreements.

Dorsey Hager, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and provided an update on the Intel megaproject and shared his thoughts on a potential Community Benefits Agreement to build a new terminal at John Glenn International Airport. Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed the AFL-CIO's partnership with Microsoft and the organization's upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day Conference. 

Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Dorsey Hager, joined the America's Work Force Podcast to discuss the important support and growth unions have received from the beginning of Central Ohio's tech construction boom. Hager also discussed the Project Labor Agreements and Community Bargaining Agreements that ensure the majority of the work is done by well-trained, local union members, and what the current labor resurgence means to him. Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, Fred Redmond joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the current resurgence of the labor movement. Redmond also discussed the SAG-AFTRA strike and newly proposed budget cuts in Congress.

Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council, Dorsey Hager, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the recent visit from Senior Advisor to President Biden Tom Perez. Hager also discussed the Town Hall meeting Perez hosted and the progress of a few megaprojects in Central Ohio. Secretary-Treasurer for the AFL-CIO, Fred Redmond, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to remember the late President of the United Steelworkers, Tom Conway. Redmond also talked about a report released by the AFL-CIO on former president Trump and the budget issues in Congress.

Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Colombus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Dorsey Hager, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about Google's recent pledge of $1.7 billion in new construction. Hager also discussed efforts to ensure the building trades can handle manpower needs and the Davis-Bacon Act changes. National Legislative Director for the Transportation Communications Union/International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Dave Arouca, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about rail safety under the Precision Scheduled Railroading model. Arouca also discussed the landmark hearing on freight commerce and the push for new railroad regulatory rules.

Administrative Director of the Communication Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Ohio special election and some changes voters need to know before heading to the polls. Mathews also discussed the union's efforts to save a call center in Michigan. Jason Shedlock, President of the Maine Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new bill introducing Project Labor Agreements for offshore wind farm development in Maine. Shedlock also talked about a new training center opened by LIUNA and the importance of organizing the new offshore wind industry now.

This Stephen Schmidt from the Gazette Digital News Desk, and I'm here with your update for Wednesday, June 14.It may not be summer, yet, but it's going to feel like it on Wednesday. According to the National Weather service it will be mostly sunny in the Cedar Rapids area on Wednesday with a high near 90 degrees. On Wednesday evening it will be partly cloudy, with a low of around 62 degrees.According to reporting from the Associated Press, Donald Trump became the first former president to face a judge on federal charges as he pleaded not guilty in a Miami courtroom Tuesday to dozens of felony counts that he hoarded classified documents and refused government demands to give them back.Trump approached his arraignment with characteristic bravado, posting social media broadsides against the prosecution from inside his motorcade and insisting as he has through years of legal woes that he has done nothing wrong and was being persecuted for political purposes. But despite his swagger, he still will have to answer to 37 felony counts that accuse him of willfully retaining classified records that prosecutors say could have jeopardized national security if exposed, as well as trying to hide them from investigators who demanded them back.Meanwhile, back in Iowa, drama continued for Iowa Democrats.Mike Gronstal, a Democrat from Council Bluffs and former Iowa Senate majority leader, was asked to resign from his statehouse lobbying job for the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council after the organization learned of his involvement in Senate Democrats' recent removal of Sen. Zach Wahls as their leader.The Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council is a collection of nine regional building trades councils that represents thousands of Iowa construction workers. The organization lobbies state lawmakers on proposed legislation related to the construction industry.The nature of Gronstal's involvement in Senate Democrats' leadership change was not detailed by the council or made public by Senate Democrats. But the two longtime staffers who were fired had worked for Gronstal when he was majority leader.The council asked for Gronstal's resignation the next day.The two staffers who were fired by Wahls — Erik Bakker and Deb Kattenhorn — have been rehired and are once again working for Iowa Senate Democrats, a caucus spokesman confirmed.And one staffer who Wahls had hired, Kaity Patchett, was fired by Jochum. Patchett previously worked in the office of former Central Iowa U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne.A portion of Tower Terrace Road in Cedar Rapids and Hiawatha, which has been closed for a little over a year for the construction of an interchange connecting the road to Interstate 380, is scheduled to open later this month.A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new interchange — a “diverging diamond” design — is scheduled for June 22, and the Iowa Department of Transportation is hoping to have the roadway open on or shortly after that date.This will be Iowa's third diverging diamond interchange, and the first on the east side of the state. Diverging diamond is an interchange design in which traffic switches to the left side of the roadway while crossing over the interstate, allowing those turning left onto the interstate a clean turn, rather than turning across incoming traffic.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus-Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the battle to change the percentage of votes required to pass a constitutional amendment in Ohio. He also gave an update on area projects, recruitment efforts, and the need for sustainable housing. Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the push by the Federation to get Julie Su confirmed as the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary. He also addressed an organizing campaign at Blue Bird in Georgia.

Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity, Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, and CEA members and affiliates came together to build the first fully funded all-union construction built home in Cleveland Habitat history. Listen as we talk with the guiding forces behind the project and learn more about the mission of these organizations. GUESTS John Litten – President/CEO, Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity Tony DiGeronimo – President, Precision Environmental and Chairman of the CEA Board of DirectorsTom Fitzgerald – Project Manager, Precision Environmental LINKSVideo of CEA's Habitat Home OpeningStart-to-Finish Documentation of CEA's Habitat Project

Bart Pantoja, the Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer for the San Mateo Building and Construction Trades Council joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work being done in his area, recent PLA's and plans for childcare assistance for members in the future. Pantoja also discussed the recruiting work to develop a younger workforce in the building trades. Labor Lawyer Joyce Goldstein, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent National Labor Relations Board ruling that overturned a precedent set by the previous administration. Goldstein discussed the changes and what it means for workers in the future.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss more new projects coming to the Central Ohio region. Hager also discussed the two new Google data centers and provided an update on current projects. AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast for another installment of First Friday with Fred. Redmond discussed the concerns surrounding Julie Su's confirmation as Secretary of Labor, gave his thoughts on the idea of eliminating funding for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the reasons why OSHA needs to continue being funded.

This Special Episode was recorded Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Capitol Weekly's Conference on Housing, which was held live in Sacramento at the California Endowment Conference Center.Panel 3: The State of the Rental Market.Panelists: Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh; Asm. Alex Lee; Debra Carlton, California Apartment Association; Alex Lantsberg, State Building and Construction Trades Council; Shanti Singh, Tenants TogetherModerated by Lindsey Holden, Sacramento BeeSupport for Capitol Weekly's Conference on Housing was provided by The Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations, The Western States Petroleum Association, KP Public Affairs, Perry Communications, Capitol Advocacy, The Weideman Group, Lucas Public Affairs and California Professional Firefighters

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, and Nana Watson, President of the Columbus National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), both appeared on America's Work Force Union Podcast. They discussed diversity, equity and inclusion in Central Ohio. They explained how the building trades and NAACP partnered for the Building Futures and Driving Futures Programs. The talk also turned to recently passed legislation by the Columbus City Council that created a Community Benefits Advisory Board and the city's promotion of a database featuring female-owned and minority-owned contractors.   Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Chris Gardner Foundation's “Permission to Dream” initiative, which promotes alternative career paths instead of college. He also discussed the Battle of Homestead Foundation and how knowledge of labor history would benefit the younger generation.

Joe Fowler, President of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about worker missclassification and wage theft, which are a problem within the construction industry. He also addressed possible solutions to job loss created by renewable energy laws.    Joey Combs, President of the Service Employees International Union Local 517M, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed a plan that will hopefully lead to the eventual repeal of Michigan's So-Called “Right to Work” laws. She also spoke about the importance of public sector employees being involved in politics.

James Hyden, Executive Secretary of the Greater Cincinnati Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project, which he was told he would get to work on as an apprentice nearly 30 years ago. Hyden also talked about making sure the building trades apprenticeship is not the region's best-kept secret. John E. Shinn, International Secretary-Treasurer of the United Steelworkers, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the USW's first foray into representing athletes during a Collective Bargaining Agreement.

AFL-CIO Director of Government Affairs Bill Samuel joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the aftermath of the election of Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House. He believes an ineffective House Speaker will be good for organized labor. Samuel gave his thoughts on the issues surrounding the debt ceiling and then explained why Presidential holdover nominees from the last Sentate should receive a vote in from this Congress.    Thomas Kennedy, Director and Secretary/Treasurer of the Texas State Building and Construction Trades Council appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast and explained how joining a building trades union can lift two generations out of poverty at the same time. He also discussed the need to recruit new apprentices and the multiple mega projects go out to bid in Texas..

Grady Mullins, Executive Secretary/Treasurer of Dayton Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed what will be a busy 2023 for affiliated members thanks to large projects being performed under Project Labor Agreements at Royal Canin, Honda/LG and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. He also spoke about the need to recruit more apprentices and explained how the Dayton Building Futures Program works.    Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast, and discussed the Southwest Airlines flight cancellation debacle in late December 2022. He also touched on the quality of life issues railroad workers still face after Congress passed legislation to approve a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the railroads and their unions.

Jim Ascione, Financial Secretary of the Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the controversy surrounding a policy that allows non-union contractors to buyout apprentices in order to work on publically funded projects. He also spoke about loopholes in Delaware's Prevailing Wage laws and how the building trades will lead the charge to create and pass the Delaware PRO Act Bill.   Greg Regan, the President of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about a proposal by Amtrak to replace a two-person railroad crew with only an engineer and the safety issues it could create. He also discussed his optimism about future transportation regulations and the need for international companies to follow the same safety standards as American companies who work on domestic aircraft.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) joined the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the Brent Spence Bridge corridor project. He also touched on some of the items included in the ominbus spending bill and how it will impact Americans.      Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the AWF Union Podcast and provided an update on the Intel project in Central Ohio and the amount of work in his jurisdiction that will be performed under Project Labor Agreements. He also discussed how his affiliated unions donated their time to help their communities over the holidays.     Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, called into the AWF Union Podcast while at the Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas. He discussed concerns union members have about technology and the need to organize in the high-tech sector. Redmond also talked about the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Conference and how Dr. King's message remains a central point of organized labor.

United Steelworkers (USW) International Vice President of Human Affairs Kevin Mapp appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the jobs created by the Biden Administration through legislation. He also gave an overview on midterm elections results and the AFL-CIO Martin Luther King Jr Civil and Human Rights Conference.   Seattle Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Monty Anderson joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the work to repair structural issues found on the West Seattle Bridge and a potential high-speed rail project.

San Joaquin County Building and Construction Trades Council Financial Secretary-Treasurer Michael Mark joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the challenges of living in a purple county and the need to work with both political parties to create work opportunities for members of the building trades. He also talked about the Council's apprenticeship readiness program and the Sam Kharufeh Memorial Scholarship Fund.   Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director for the AFL-CIO, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and gave his thoughts on the legislation Congress should pass during the lame-duck session before Republicans take control of the House in January.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the “What Kids and Communities Need” campaign – a new effort to invest in public schools and promote politicians who support public education.     David Bini, Executive Director of the Santa Clara and San Benito Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed his belief that Google could serve as a model example to the tech industry proving the benefits of Project Labor Agreements. He also talked about a ballot measure that if passed, could potentially hurt the region's construction industry.   United Labor Agency (ULA) Executive Director David Megenhardt was a guest on the AWF Union Podcast and explained his belief that the job market will remain ripe with career opportunities, despite talk of a looming recession. He also spoke about Cleveland Builds, a pre-apprenticeship program that encourages women and minorities to enter a career in the building trades.

This weeks show marks our 12 year Anniversary and 650th show. This week we meet with the new Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Minnesota, learn about Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council becoming a Beyond the … Continue reading → The post VFW Commander and New Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Organization appeared first on Minnesota Military Radio.

The culture wars now ripping through American politics — especially noticeable in these last few weeks before the midterm elections, when Trump is trying to lay the groundwork for an authoritarian takeover — arguably began on May 8, 1970 in New York City. That day happened to be the 25th anniversary of the Allied victory over Germany in World War II. It was also weeks after Richard Nixon expanded the Vietnam War into Cambodia. And it was just four days after Ohio National Guardsmen shot dead four students during antiwar protests at Kent State University.I recall it vividly. On May 8, 1970, a riot broke out in New York City.Around noon, near the intersection of Wall Street and Broad Street in Lower Manhattan, more than 400 construction workers — steamfitters, ironworkers, plumbers, and other laborers from nearby construction sites like the emerging World Trade Center — attacked around 1,000 student demonstrators (including two of my friends) protesting the Vietnam War and the May 4 Kent State shootings. The workers carried U.S. flags and chanted “USA, All the way” and “America, love it or leave it.” They chased the students through the streets — attacking those who looked like hippies with hard hats and weapons, including tools and steel-toe boots.I heard about it when several friends from New York who were active in the anti-Vietnam War movement phoned me later that day. To characterize them as upset understates their emotions.As David Paul Kuhn reports in The Hardhat Riot, the police did little to stop the mayhem. Some even egged on the thuggery. When a group of hardhats moved menacingly toward a Wall Street plaza, a patrolman shouted: “Give 'em hell, boys. Give 'em one for me!”The workers then stormed a barely-protected City Hall where the mayor's staff, to the hardhats' rage, had lowered the flag in honor of the Kent State dead. They pushed their way to the top of the steps and attempted to gain entrance, chanting “Hey, hey, whatcha say? We support the USA!” Fearing the mob would break in, a person from the mayor's staff raised the flag. It was a small precursor to the attack on the U.S. Capitol more than a half-century later. The workers ripped down the Red Cross flag that was hanging at nearby Trinity Church because they associated the flag with the anti-war protests. They stormed the newly built main Pace University building, smashing lobby windows and beating students and professors with their tools.More than 100 people were wounded. The typical victim was a 22-year-old white male college student, though one in four was female. Seven police officers were also hurt. Most of the injured required hospital treatment. Six people were arrested, but only one construction worker.My friends escaped injury but they were traumatized. I remember them describing the rioting construction workers as a “pack of animals.”The hardhat riot had immediate political consequences. Richard Nixon exploited it for political advantage. It was the first salvo in America's culture wars. Nixon's chief of staff H.R. Haldeman wrote in his diary: “The college demonstrators have overplayed their hands, evidence is the blue-collar group rising up against them, and [the] president can mobilize them.” Patrick Buchanan, then a Nixon aide, wrote in a memo to his boss, saying “blue-collar Americans” are “our people now.” Peter Brennan, then president of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, claimed “the unions had nothing to do with” it — although just before the riot, Brennan had held a rally of construction workers to show support for Nixon's Vietnam policies. Brennan explained that workers were “fed up” with violence and flag desecration by anti-war demonstrators.At Nixon's invitation, Brennan then led a delegation of 22 union leaders, representing more than 300,000 tradesmen, to the White House. They presented Nixon with several hard hats and a flag pin, after which Nixon praised the “labor leaders and people from Middle America who still have character and guts and a bit of patriotism”.After the 1972 election, Nixon appointed Brennan labor secretary. Brennan did not distinguish himself in that position. He strongly opposed affirmative action. He also prevented Labor Department officials from investigating allegations of corruption in the Teamsters Union and of its president, Frank Fitzsimmons, who had helped secure labor support for Nixon's election. The hardhat riot revealed a deep split in America's left — in the coalition of workers and progressives that Franklin D. Roosevelt had knitted together in the 1930s, and the wished-for alliance of Blacks, liberals and blue-collar whites in the aftermath of Lyndon Johnson's landslide 1964 re-election. The riot's class-based and race-based tensions would worsen over the next half century, as America's upper-middle class and wealthy began pulling away from white Americans without college degrees. The construction workers who attacked the demonstrators on May 8, 1970, and the police who egged them on, were more likely to have family and friends in Vietnam than the college students who demonstrated. Many were veterans of World War II and Korea. They also lived in the same working-class neighborhoods.They despised the protesters as a bunch of pampered, longhaired, draft-dodging, flag-desecrating snots. They felt abandoned by the middle class and the college-educated, stiffed by the clever kids with draft deferments, forced to bus their kids to Black neighborhoods they didn't trust and accept Black kids into their schools, and burdened by an economy no longer delivering the possibility of upward mobility. As the journalist Pete Hamill observed at the time, the workingman “feels trapped and, even worse, in a society that purports to be democratic, ignored.”The former Nixon aide Pat Buchanan, writing in 1988 about the future of the GOP, argued that it should have embraced these growing working-class resentments.The Republican moment slipped by, I believe, when the GOP refused to take up the challenge from the left on its chosen battleground: the politics of class, culture, religion, and race.”Three years later, Buchanan openly questioned whether democracy was the best form of government. “The American press is infatuated to the point of intoxication with democracy,” he wrote, comparing the Marine Corps and corporations like IBM to the federal government. “Only the last is run on democratic, not autocratic principles. Yet who would choose the last as the superior institution?”Buchanan sought the Republican presidential nomination in 1992, 1996, and 2000. He lost, of course. But over the course of the 1990s, his ideas began taking root in the GOP. When I was secretary of labor, I spent much of my time in the Midwest and elsewhere around the country where workers felt abandoned in an economy taken over by Wall Street. I witnessed their anger and resentment. I heard their frustrations. The nation could have responded, but did not. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit robertreich.substack.com/subscribe

Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed legislation that, if enacted, would increase financial penalties employers face for workplace fatalities. He also spoke about about amendments made last year to New York State's Wage Protection Act that will hold a general contractor responsible for wage theft violations, rather than subcontractors.    United Auto Workers (UAW) Assistant Legislative Director Desiree Hoffman joined the America's WorkForce Union Podcast and discussed provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act to boost funding for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program. She also spoke about Domestic Conversion Grants, which help automakers develop greener technology for fuel efficiency.     

California has another tool in its toolbox to help close the housing gap. It's legislation that will make it easier to convert dilapidated strip malls, half-empty office buildings, and weed-filled parking lots into multi-family housing.Hi, I'm Kathy Fettke and this is Real Estate News for Investors. If you like our podcast, please subscribe and leave us a review. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 6 and Assembly Bill 2011 on September 28th. The legislation will allow the adaptive reuse of properties that are zoned for retail, offices, and parking in suburban and rural city centers.The new rules are expected to help California reach a goal of 2.5 million new housing units by the end of the decade. One million of those homes need to be affordable, according to the Statewide Housing Plan.It will also help eliminate resistance from local governments, unions, environmentalists, and developers. Supporters are calling it a win-win for housing and for run-down commercial areas that make some cities look like ghost towns. (1)Two Policies, One GoalLawmakers approved both bills to satisfy two sides of a dispute involving unions, developers, and other groups. The powerful State Building and Construction Trades Council of California supported SB 6 along with builders and business groups. The California Conference of Carpenters and the Service Employees International Union of California supported AB 2011. (2)After weeks of tense negotiations and no deal, lawmakers decided to approve both bills. They each give developers different options, but they both work toward the same goals. They both make it easier and faster to build homes in vacant or underused commercial space. They both have requirements for the amount of affordable housing produced. And they both guarantee that workers will be paid union wages.They are also both designed to keep new development near city centers and transit corridors which will help support the state's carbon reduction goals. Developers will have the option to follow whichever policy works best for a specific project.Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins called it a “game changer when it comes to producing desperately needed housing for all income levels.” SB 6 author, Senator Anna Caballero, also sees this as a way to expedite the process of building as many as 2 million housing units. Assembly member Buffy Wicks, who wrote AB 2011, says the legislation provides land to build homes, incentives to attract workers to the construction industry, and reduces the red tape to get projects going in areas that make sense for transit-oriented affordable housing.YIMBY CEO, Brian Hanlon says this legislation “could unlock the potential for millions of affordable homes in California.” He says: “California has a huge amount of under-utilized and abandoned commercial properties that could see rapid development of subsidized affordable housing… and would include good jobs with fair wages for construction workers.” (3)Closing the Housing Gap in CaliforniaThis is just the latest in a long list of bills to create more housing in California. Among the more significant ones is Senate Bill 9, or what's known as the California Home Act. It was approved last year, and allows single-family homeowners in most parts of California to divide their properties into two lots, and build as many as two homes on each lot. It also streamlines the permitting process. (4)That bill follows several other bills in recent years that allow more housing density, including ADU's on properties with single family homes. As reported by The Atlantic, there's been an ADU boom since new laws made them legal and desirable. They've reportedly increased 1,421% from 2016 to 2021. About one out of every seven California homes is now, reportedly, an ADU.The newest adaptive-reuse legislation is another step for California in the affordable housing direction. Governor Newsom says it will help address what he calls the golden state's “original sin” of housing affordability. Both bills go into effect on July 1st of next year. The JDSupra website has a concise list of features for both bills. If you want to take a look, you'll find a link in the show notes for this episode (at newsforinvestors.com).Please visit our website for more real estate news. You can also find out more about housing markets across the U.S. and how you can invest in those markets. Just hit the “Join for Free” button at the top of the page, for access to our Learning Center and our Investor Portal.And please remember to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review!Thank you! And thanks for listening. I'm Kathy Fettke.Links:1 -https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiegold/2022/09/30/california-passes-adaptive-reuse-legislation-to-address-housing-crisis/?sh=61f2738246482 -https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2022-09-28/california-affordable-housing-commercial-properties3 -https://cayimby.org/california-yimby-statement-on-governor-signing-major-housing-legislation/4 -https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/10/california-accessory-dwelling-units-legalization-yimby/671648/5 -https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/governor-newsom-signs-major-development-2869605/

John Morrison, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of the Greater Louisville Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about Ford's $5.8 billion electric battery plant being built in Glendale, Ky. and the work it has created in the state.    Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation (SMART) Local 263 Business Manager Russ Jaeger appeared on the AWF  Union Podcast and how cuts to Iowa's unemployment benefits will impact exacerbate the state's construction workers. He also explained how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has created work opportunities in the sheet metal industry.

Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the role organized labor plays in getting the union vote out to the polls. He also talked about the Intel groundbreaking ceremony and the 33rd Biennial Convention of the Ohio AFL-CIO.   Kevin Sage, President of the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed Amendment 1, a proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution on the November ballot that would establish employees' collective bargaining rights.

Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556 President Lyn Montgomery joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast and discussed deteriorating conditions for both airline workers and passengers in today's flight industry and why workable solutions may involve a mixture of improvements to Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and legislative action.   Willy Myers, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained how the Intel plant in Oregon impacted local communities and gave some insight as to what Ohioans should expect from the Intel project coming to Central Ohio.