Podcasts about United Steelworkers

In 1941, a young priest in Spain helped spark a movement that would transform worker ownership forever. Today, that spirit is crossing the Atlantic. In our latest episode, we explore the emerging "Union Co-op" model—a powerful hybrid that combines the democratic ownership of a cooperative with the protective strength of a union. We speak with Ellen Vera, Director of Co-Op Cincy, about the "how-to" of worker ownership: how to transition an existing business, how to start a new venture from scratch, and the common mistakes to avoid. We also talk with Rob Witherall of the United Steelworkers about how the USW is partnering with cooperatives to provide essential benefits like healthcare and ensure that the wealth of our communities stays in the hands of the workers.  Join us as we discuss why the future of the American labor movement might just be owned by the people who do the work. Music in this episode is by: Makaih Beats and Ethos

Every victory at the bargaining table starts with workers standing together—but solidarity means looking out for each other's minds as well as their livelihoods. In this episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, host Ed "Flash" Ferenc sits down with John Lepley, Director of Education and Membership Development at the United Steelworkers (USW). Marking both Mental Health Awareness Month and the USW's 84th anniversary, John highlights a vital shift in the labor movement: treating mental health as a core collective bargaining issue. What We Discuss in This Episode: The Power of Peer Support: Inside the USW's voluntary mental health curriculum, developed alongside CUNY psychology professor Waleed Sami, which teaches members to spot warning signs and connect colleagues with professional care. Healthcare Workers in Crisis: How chronic understaffing, isolation, and workplace violence are compounding the mental health crisis for nurses and healthcare professionals—and how the union is fighting back. Bargaining for Well-being: Why scheduling, staffing ratios, and the boundary between work and home life are fundamental mental health policies that belong in every union contract. Leadership from the Top: The critical role General President Roxanne Brown played in championing this program from its early pilot stages to a nationwide union initiative. Important Resources: If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7 by calling or texting 988. Learn more about the United Steelworkers and their initiatives at usw.org. Subscribe to the America's Work Force Union Podcast for daily insights from the leaders building worker power across America!

According to the Fayetteville-Cumberland Economic Development Corporation, the plant employed more than 2,100 workers as of February of last year, making it the fifth largest employer in the county.Unfortunately these workers may be coming to the end of the line at Goodyear, as the company revealed that is looking to wind down the facility.According to the Fayetteville Observer, Goodyear is in talks with the United Steelworkers Union on a plan to close the factory by the end of 2027. A company spokesperson said that, despite “extensive efforts” to make the facility competitive, this action is “necessary to strengthen Goodyear's ability to compete.”Goodyear CEO Mark Stewart, in reporting the company's dismal Q1 performance early this month, said its $249 million net loss “reflected a challenging environment, marked by weak consumer industry demand.” The business pointed to lower rates of OEM purchasing as well as fewer consumers replacing their tires.Stewart added that “increased pressure on industry demand and higher raw material costs stemming from the conflict in the Middle East” meant the company would “take meaningful actions to strengthen [its] cost structure." CityViewNC described the Fayetteville Goodyear plant as “a relatively rare manufacturing operation in a community with an economy dominated by lower-wage retail, rental, real estate, and service businesses that cater to the military families and defense workers of Fort Bragg, one of the largest military bases in the world.”The facility in Fayetteville is heavily represented by the United Steelworkers, though the union has yet to comment.#Goodyear #Manufacturing #FactoryClosure #NorthCarolina #TireIndustry #Layoffs #UnitedSteelworkers #USW #IndustrialNews #ManufacturingJobs #FactoryWorkers #AutomotiveIndustry #SupplyChain #EconomicImpact #FayettevilleNC #IndustryNews #BusinessNews #AmericanManufacturing #TireManufacturing #FactoryShutdown #LaborNews #AutomotiveManufacturing #OEM #IndustrialEconomy #GoodyearTires #ManufacturingCrisis #Workforce #MadeInAmerica #IndustrialJobs #EconomicDevelopment

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Tom Duffy of the United Steelworkers about the urgent state of workplace safety in America ahead of Workers Memorial Day. They begin by reflecting on the meaning of the day, which honors workers who have been killed, injured, or made sick on the job—and why those risks remain a serious concern today. Tom shares insight from decades of experience investigating workplace incidents and advocating for stronger protections. The conversation then turns to recent policy changes and regulatory rollbacks that have weakened key safety standards, including protections against dangerous exposures and extreme working conditions. Tom explains what these changes mean in real terms for workers and why they could lead to more preventable injuries and illnesses. They also discuss the growing strain on the agencies responsible for enforcing workplace safety, with fewer inspectors and reduced resources making it harder to hold companies accountable. Finally, the episode focuses on what workers and unions can do to protect themselves, from pushing for stronger safeguards on the job to advocating for policies that prioritize worker health and safety. It's a sobering but important conversation about the risks workers face—and the ongoing fight to ensure every worker makes it home safely. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social.

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Tom Duffy of the United Steelworkers about the urgent state of workplace safety in America ahead of Workers Memorial Day. They begin by reflecting on the meaning of the day, which honors workers who have been killed, injured, or made sick on the job—and why those risks remain a serious concern today. Tom shares insight from decades of experience investigating workplace incidents and advocating for stronger protections. The conversation then turns to recent policy changes and regulatory rollbacks that have weakened key safety standards, including protections against dangerous exposures and extreme working conditions. Tom explains what these changes mean in real terms for workers and why they could lead to more preventable injuries and illnesses. They also discuss the growing strain on the agencies responsible for enforcing workplace safety, with fewer inspectors and reduced resources making it harder to hold companies accountable. Finally, the episode focuses on what workers and unions can do to protect themselves, from pushing for stronger safeguards on the job to advocating for policies that prioritize worker health and safety. It's a sobering but important conversation about the risks workers face—and the ongoing fight to ensure every worker makes it home safely. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social.

Segment 1: Building a Healthcare System That Works for Working Families Three decades of experience have given Kari Hedges, Senior Vice President of Market Solutions at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, a clear view of what remains broken in American medicine. Joining National Labor Office Executive Director Merrilee Logue, Hedges discusses the urgent need for data interoperability—the ability for different medical systems to share patient records seamlessly. Hedges shares a moving personal story about navigating a fragmented system to save her own mother's life, illustrating why BCBS is building a new interoperability hub to give physicians a real-time view of a patient's history. We also dive into the impact of electronic prior authorization, which has already shown the potential to resolve 84 percent of cases instantaneously and improve provider efficiency by up to 230 percent. Finally, the pair discusses the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence and the continued expansion of telehealth and behavioral health services for workers facing shift-work barriers.   Segment 2: Steel Benchmarks, Trade Enforcement, and the Ohio Primary In our second segment, Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, breaks down the economic signals heading into a pivotal bargaining season for the United Steelworkers. With hot-rolled coil trading above $1,000 per ton, the industry is entering a strong financial position just as contracts with Cleveland-Cliffs and U.S. Steel are set to expire on September 1. Gallagher also addresses the complexities of trade enforcement and the upcoming USMCA renegotiations, highlighting how "trade cheating"—such as routing Chinese steel through third countries—undercuts American workers. Looking toward the May 5 Ohio primary, Gallagher emphasizes the importance of electing labor voices to the statehouse, backing a slate of union candidates including Davida Russell (AFSCME), Scott Demaro (OHEA), and Brian Poindexter (Ironworkers). Subscribe to the America's Work Force Union Podcast for more interviews with the leaders and organizers building worker power across America.

The data center boom is reshaping the Midwest, while at the national level, workers are rising up to demand economic accountability. On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle two defining fronts of the modern labor movement: the massive industrial build-out of digital infrastructure and the nationwide mobilization for affordability and representation. Segment 1: Building the Digital Backbone of Ohio Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joins us to discuss the staggering scale of data center construction in the region. The Numbers: Why 20 million labor hours are just the beginning for the building trades. The Career Path: How IBEW Local 1105 and others are scaling apprenticeship programs to create six-figure careers without a college degree. The Community Impact: Addressing local concerns and why data centers are a long-term win for the middle class. Segment 2: AFL-CIO Mobilizes for Economic Fairness Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joins the program to discuss why workers are taking to the streets to demand relief from the rising cost of living. The Mobilization: Insights from the "No Kings Day" rallies and the disconnect between Washington policy and kitchen-table math. Voter Education: Why the AFL-CIO is treating the ballot box as a workplace safety and standards issue. A Historic Milestone: A look at Roxanne Brown's rise to become the 10th International President of the United Steelworkers.

The Workforce Pipeline: From Data Centers to National Leadership On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, we go inside the two engines driving the modern labor movement: massive infrastructure build-outs and the development of the next generation of union leaders. Segment 1: Central Ohio's Construction Revolution Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joins the show to discuss the "stacking" of megaprojects in the region. Intel Update: Why the duration of the Licking County build matters more than the peak headcount. The Power Demand: How "behind-the-meter" power and the $850M Bluegrass Power Station are creating a secondary wave of union jobs. Data Center Ecosystems: Moving beyond the initial build to long-term maintenance and modernization. Segment 2: Organizing, Action, and Union Pipelines Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, checks in to discuss the national landscape for workers in 2026. USW History: The significance of Roxanne Brown taking the helm as the 10th International President of the United Steelworkers. The Worker-Candidate Surge: How union members are translating shop-floor leadership into successful campaigns for public office. Coalition Power: Why labor is aligning with community partners to protect voting access and economic fairness. GET INVOLVED: Every victory starts with workers standing together. Subscribe to the AWF Union Podcast for daily interviews with the leaders building worker power across America. Visit us at: awf.labortools.com Follow the movement: #UnionStrong #BuildingTrades #AFLCIO #Labor2026 #IntelOhio #WorkerPower

A delegation of Canadian and American representatives of the United Steelworkers union visited Mexico to fight for a fair deal for workers in the upcoming CUSMA trade negotiations. The Canadian delegation was led by the assistant to the director of USW District 6, Charlie Scibetta.  RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The America's Work Force Union Podcast welcomed David Goldberg, President of the California Teachers Association (CTA), representing more than 325,000 educators across the state. Goldberg discussed the funding challenges facing California public schools, the wave of teacher strikes for better resources and compensation and the critical need to extend Proposition 55, a tax measure that supports education and other public services. On today's episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, Sue Browne, Rapid Response Coordinator for District 1 of the United Steelworkers, took center stage. With more than 30 years as a Steelworker and deep roots in Local 5965 in Michigan, Browne reflected on her path from the assembly line to union activism. She shared insights into the USW Rapid Response program, its communication strategies, and its Balancing the Scales campaign, which aims to advance core workplace issues for union members in Ohio and Michigan.

On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Kai Shin, a worker organizer with Chicago Botanic Garden Workers United, shared his experience confronting alleged unsafe working conditions and workplace retaliation at Windy City Harvest, the garden's urban farm initiative. Shin, who was terminated after advocating for transparency and justice for his peers, highlighted disturbing management practices, the exploitation of vulnerable populations and the broader implications for labor organizing.  Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and a retired member of the United Steelworkers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss new job openings at Cleveland Cliffs and reflect on the evolution of labor contracts in the steel industry.

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

Leslie is joined by Roxanne Brown, President-Elect of the United Steelworkers. Currently serving as the Union's international Vice President, Brown will be sworn in to her new position on March 1, 2026. Following the USW's regular four-year nomination and election process that recently took place, Brown was elected to be the Union's new President! During today's interview, Leslie and Roxanne discuss how working families have taken major hits to their rights and their pocketbooks in 2025, thanks to the Trump administration. Before President Trump was elected, his advisors laid out a terrifying vision for the nation called, 'Project 2025.' And over the past year, working families have unfortunately borne the brunt of the administration rapidly enacting these policies. On top of this, the administration has failed to rein in – and in many ways added to – costs for necessities like groceries, energy and health care. Roxanne details how these attacks have hit bargaining rights for workers, veterans' benefits, workplace safety, healthcare and more. Taken together, we're seeing an economy in which the rich get a whole lot richer, while everyone else is lucky to scrape by, just as Trump planned. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social. Roxanne's handle on X is @BrownRox.

Leslie is joined by Roxanne Brown, President-Elect of the United Steelworkers. Currently serving as the Union's international Vice President, Brown will be sworn in to her new position on March 1, 2026. Following the USW's regular four-year nomination and election process that recently took place, Brown was elected to be the Union's new President! During today's interview, Leslie and Roxanne discuss how working families have taken major hits to their rights and their pocketbooks in 2025, thanks to the Trump administration. Before President Trump was elected, his advisors laid out a terrifying vision for the nation called, 'Project 2025.' And over the past year, working families have unfortunately borne the brunt of the administration rapidly enacting these policies. On top of this, the administration has failed to rein in – and in many ways added to – costs for necessities like groceries, energy and health care. Roxanne details how these attacks have hit bargaining rights for workers, veterans' benefits, workplace safety, healthcare and more. Taken together, we're seeing an economy in which the rich get a whole lot richer, while everyone else is lucky to scrape by, just as Trump planned. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social. Roxanne's handle on X is @BrownRox.

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

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

Alex Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer of LIUNA Local 724, the Hollywood Laborers Union, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing efforts to unionize production assistants in the entertainment industry.   Donnie Blatt, District 1 Director of the United Steelworkers, appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss ongoing labor disputes at Libbey Glass, a tentative agreement at Matalis and upcoming contract negotiations in 2026.  

The relationship between U.S. Steel and the Granite City Works steel mill has been rocky for years. The company recently announced it would stop sending steel to the plant, then reversed that decision a few weeks later. Now, the plant is safe from closure until 2027, but the local United Steelworkers union is looking beyond that date and planning for an uncertain future. St. Louis Public Radio Metro East reporter Will Bauer explores the ongoing tension over the future of the steel mill, and President of the Granite City United Steelworkers chapter Craig McKey shares his union's goals for the future.

Amber Miller, Director of the United Steelworkers' Rapid Response Program, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the program's 30-year history, current initiatives and efforts to combat gerrymandering.   Jon Zumkehr, President of AFGE Local 4070, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the alarming suicide rate among correctional officers, efforts to improve mental health support and challenges facing the Bureau of Prisons.

Donnie Blatt, District 1 Director of the United Steelworkers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing contract dispute at Libby Glass in Toledo, Ohio. Blatt outlined the workers' past sacrifices to save the company, the current contract negotiations and the potential for a strike. On this edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Jesse Halvorsen, an independent scholar and labor historian, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the International Longshoreman's Association (ILA) and International Longshore and Warehouse Union's (ILWU) militant past, the pivotal 1960 Mechanization and Modernization Agreement and the lasting impact of containerization on the industry.

Megan Salrin, the National Coordinator for Rapid Response at the United Steelworkers, began her career as an intern with the Alliance for American Manufacturing. Today, we're looking back on her journey from a small-town union household to advocating for workers in Congress. Megan shares stories of saving manufacturing jobs, pushing for the Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0, and promoting American-made products. Her career embodies purpose-driven leadership, union values, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening U.S. manufacturing.

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.

Leslie is joined by Jim Savage, Legislative Representative for the United Steelworkers (USW). The two discuss how the U.S. Dept. of Veterans' Affairs has been understaffed and underfunded for decades, often proving to be a barrier to those who served getting the care they need. However, rather than bolstering this vital lifeline, early on in the Trump administration, amid brutal cuts to a number of federal agencies, it announced that it would eliminate approximately 83,000 positions at the VA. While this was part of a larger effort to gut the federal government in the name of efficiency, as in other areas, there was nothing targeted or strategic about these cuts. Jim explains how the USW and their "Veterans of Steel" group is not only fighting these cuts, but working across the political aisle to promote common sense legislation to further help U.S. military veterans. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social. Jim's handle on Blue Sky is @savageusw.bsky.social‬.

Leslie is joined by Jim Savage, Legislative Representative for the United Steelworkers (USW). The two discuss how the U.S. Dept. of Veterans' Affairs has been understaffed and underfunded for decades, often proving to be a barrier to those who served getting the care they need. However, rather than bolstering this vital lifeline, early on in the Trump administration, amid brutal cuts to a number of federal agencies, it announced that it would eliminate approximately 83,000 positions at the VA. While this was part of a larger effort to gut the federal government in the name of efficiency, as in other areas, there was nothing targeted or strategic about these cuts. Jim explains how the USW and their "Veterans of Steel" group is not only fighting these cuts, but working across the political aisle to promote common sense legislation to further help U.S. military veterans. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social. Jim's handle on Blue Sky is @savageusw.bsky.social.

Leslie is joined by Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a partnership established by some of America's leading manufacturers and the United Steelworkers union. The pair first discusses a new piece that Scott wrote for 'Industry Week' that finally puts to rest one of U.S. manufacturing naysayers' favorite lines: “Who wants to work in a factory anyway?” Next, they explore what progress has the Trump administration made on all of their attempted trade deals after the White House extended its reciprocal tariff pause to August 1st, with the hope of securing more deals. Third, Scott and Leslie explain why Americans should be pleased about a new 10-year end to 'the de minimis exemption,' a Customs loophole that Chinese e-commerce behemoths like Temu and DHGate had been exploiting. Fourth, Leslie asks Scott about an FTC letter sent on the same day Amazon launched its Prime Day sale this week, which called on the e-commerce giant (and Walmart) to put a stop to false “Made in USA” claims on its website. This comes after Amazon's marketplace has increasingly become a Wild West of products from third-party vendors as it seeks to emulate SHEIN and Temu.  Finally, both Leslie and Scott applauded Senator Elissa Slotkin for a recent speech she gave outlining her “Economic War Plan."  They also found this particular line from the speech very timely: "As a CIA officer and Pentagon official by training, I believe that the single, greatest security threat to the United States is *not* coming from abroad. It's the shrinking middle class here at home." Here is where you can find more of Scott and the AAM's work: WEBSITE: AmericanManufacturing.org YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report") X: 1. AAM - @KeepItMadeInUSA  2. Scott Paul - @ScottPaulAAM BlueSky: @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social

Leslie is joined by Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a partnership established by some of America's leading manufacturers and the United Steelworkers union. The pair first discusses a new piece that Scott wrote for 'Industry Week' that finally puts to rest one of U.S. manufacturing naysayers' favorite lines: “Who wants to work in a factory anyway?” Next, they explore what progress has the Trump administration made on all of their attempted trade deals after the White House extended its reciprocal tariff pause to August 1st, with the hope of securing more deals. Third, Scott and Leslie explain why Americans should be pleased about a new 10-year end to 'the de minimis exemption,' a Customs loophole that Chinese e-commerce behemoths like Temu and DHGate had been exploiting. Fourth, Leslie asks Scott about an FTC letter sent on the same day Amazon launched its Prime Day sale this week, which called on the e-commerce giant (and Walmart) to put a stop to false “Made in USA” claims on its website. This comes after Amazon's marketplace has increasingly become a Wild West of products from third-party vendors as it seeks to emulate SHEIN and Temu.  Finally, both Leslie and Scott applauded Senator Elissa Slotkin for a recent speech she gave outlining her “Economic War Plan."  They also found this particular line from the speech very timely: "As a CIA officer and Pentagon official by training, I believe that the single, greatest security threat to the United States is *not* coming from abroad. It's the shrinking middle class here at home." Here is where you can find more of Scott and the AAM's work: WEBSITE: AmericanManufacturing.org YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report") X: 1. AAM - @KeepItMadeInUSA  2. Scott Paul - @ScottPaulAAM BlueSky: @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social

Daniel Kovalik is a labor and human rights attorney and author, who has taught international human rights at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. For over two decades he served as a counsel for the United Steelworkers and the AFL-CIO, and is best known for his cases against Coca Cola, Drummond, and Occidental Petroleum based upon human rights abuses in Colombia. He was also a recipient of a Project Censored award for his investigation into the murders of Colombian trade unionists. Dan is a graduate of Columbia Law School and received a fellowship at Stanford University's law school. He has written several acclaimed books dealing with the scapegoating of Russia, plots to attack and overthrow Iran and Venezuela,  US efforts to establish world hegemony by interfering in other nations and on Cancel Culture.  He is the author of "Cancel This Book: The Progressive Case Against Cancel Culture" and "Nicaragua: A History of US Intervention and Resistance."  His articles have appeared on RT, Counterpunch, Common Dreams, Global Research and elsewhere.

Leslie is joined by Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a partnership established by some of America's leading manufacturers and the United Steelworkers union. The two discuss: 1. The Wall Street Journal recently documented the stark disparity between China and America's military-industrial strength in a series of graphs. The results are downright alarming, especially as geopolitical tensions flare. The data illustrate the urgent need for the United States to take action to revitalize our domestic shipbuilding industry.  2. With tariffs coming into force,  Made in the USA marketing is surging. U.S. consumers are rejiggering their purchasing habits, as evidenced by a boom in “Made in USA” searches on e-commerce sites, and companies are more than happy to tout their “Made in USA” commitments. (From Modern Retail: “Amazon searches for the phrase shot up to 126,000 from 26,000 in the past 30 days — nearly five times the previous period.”)   3. The state of our infrastructure and energy grid is dire. It's a crisis that creates another obstacle to U.S. manufacturing's renaissance and America's competitiveness. 4. This time, the China Shock is global in nature. Beijing is flooding the world's markets with its industrial overcapacity across all categories, and job losses and bankruptcies are trailing the imports.   WEBSITE: AmericanManufacturing.org YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report") (If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast) X: 1. AAM - @KeepItMadeInUSA  2. Scott Paul - @ScottPaulAAM BlueSky: @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social

Leslie is joined by Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a partnership established by some of America's leading manufacturers and the United Steelworkers union. The two discuss: 1. The Wall Street Journal recently documented the stark disparity between China and America's military-industrial strength in a series of graphs. The results are downright alarming, especially as geopolitical tensions flare. The data illustrate the urgent need for the United States to take action to revitalize our domestic shipbuilding industry.  2. With tariffs coming into force,  Made in the USA marketing is surging. U.S. consumers are rejiggering their purchasing habits, as evidenced by a boom in “Made in USA” searches on e-commerce sites, and companies are more than happy to tout their “Made in USA” commitments. (From Modern Retail: “Amazon searches for the phrase shot up to 126,000 from 26,000 in the past 30 days — nearly five times the previous period.”)   3. The state of our infrastructure and energy grid is dire. It's a crisis that creates another obstacle to U.S. manufacturing's renaissance and America's competitiveness. 4. This time, the China Shock is global in nature. Beijing is flooding the world's markets with its industrial overcapacity across all categories, and job losses and bankruptcies are trailing the imports.   WEBSITE: AmericanManufacturing.org YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report") (If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast) X: 1. AAM - @KeepItMadeInUSA  2. Scott Paul - @ScottPaulAAM BlueSky: @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social

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.

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.

Leslie is joined by Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a partnership established by some of America's leading manufacturers and the United Steelworkers union.  The two discuss: 1. Scott's op-ed in 'The Detroit News' explaining why he believes that U.S. trade negotiators must toe a tough line with China. 2. America's favorite vehicle as a tariff case study 3. #ChineseManufacturing going viral on TikTok 4. Momentum for U.S. shipbuilding revitalization continuing to grow WEBSITE: AmericanManufacturing.org YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report") (If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast) X: 1. AAM - @KeepItMadeInUSA  2. Scott Paul - @ScottPaulAAM BlueSky: @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social

Leslie is joined by Megan Salrin and Jimmy O'Donnell of the United Steelworkers (USW). The trio analyzes why workers need a Pro-Labor National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). In one of his early acts as president, Donald Trump not only fired National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo but also removed NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox. Firing Wilcox upended nearly 90 years of Supreme Court caselaw and left the NLRB unable to perform its vital mission of upholding workers' rights. So what is the NLRB, and why do workers depend on it to ensure they have a voice on the job? The NLRB is an independent federal agency tasked with safeguarding workers rights in a number of ways.         - It oversees union elections – and ensures that employers abide by the law when workers seek to organize.         - It also prevents and remedies unfair labor practices, again ensuring that workers are free to engage in concerted activity and access their rights under the National Labor Relations Act.     The NLRB is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has 26 different Regional Offices.         - There are five seats on the Board, which are filled through presidential nomination and then Senate confirmation.         - The members serve five-year terms, and the terms are staggered so that one seat is supposed to be open each year – though delays can cause vacancies to occur.     The NLRB shapes labor law in several ways including by issuing decisions on cases, which sets national precedent, and by issuing rule making.         - Because the president nominates members to the board, they have the ability to influence how it operates based on their priorities.         - Pro-worker presidents traditionally appoint members who take the job to enforce workers rights' seriously while pro-corporate leadership effectively limits workers' ability to form unions and collectively bargain.                - Under the previous administration, for example, the NLRB made key advances when it came to leveling the playing field for workers, such as banning the captive audience meetings employers too often used to try to thwart union elections. Currently, the board is down to just two members, which means it does not have a quorum and cannot make decisions or enforce labor laws. That means:     - Workers facing unfair treatment—like illegal firings, intimidation, or bad-faith bargaining—could be left waiting months or even years for justice.     - Striking and organizing workers will have fewer protections.     - Employers who break the law may get away with it if cases can't be heard.     - Furthermore, this upheaval has emboldened greedy corporations looking to block workers from exercising their rights.        - For example, Whole Foods (which is owned by Amazon) is arguing that they will not recognize a union formed in January because of the lack of quorum at the Board. An NLRB member can only be fired for serious misconduct—like neglecting their job or breaking the rules. No President has ever fired a Board member like this before, and there does not appear to be any valid reason to remove Wilcox.     - Wilcox filed a lawsuit in response to her firing. While a DC District Court judge ruled in her favor and reinstated her, her case has gone through a number of appeals and is now headed to the Supreme Court, which recently once again removed her from her position until it can rule on the merits of the lawsuit.       - Oral arguments are due to begin on May 16, which means between now and then the board is again hobbled.   As more and more workers signal that they want the protections of a union contract it's essential that we have a labor board that takes its job seriously.     - This means allowing members like Wilcox to finish their terms.     - And pushing our elected leaders to nominate and confirm qualified members who will take the job of protecting workers seriously. Megan Salrin is the National Coordinator for the United Steelworkers' Rapid Response program, the union's nonpartisan initiative for education, communication, and action on legislative and policy issues affecting USW members. Before this role, she served in USW's Legislative and Policy Department and worked for several Members of Congress from the Midwest. Jimmy O'Donnell is a Legislative Representative for the USW, where he advocates for pro-worker policies related to labor rights, workplace health and safety, clean energy manufacturing, and workforce development. Previously, Jimmy spent several years working at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social.

Leslie is joined by Megan Salrin and Jimmy O'Donnell of the United Steelworkers (USW). In one of his early acts as president, Donald Trump not only fired National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo but also removed NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox. Firing Wilcox upended nearly 90 years of Supreme Court caselaw and left the NLRB unable to perform its vital mission of upholding workers' rights. During today's episode, Leslie, Megan and Jimmy discuss why workers need a Pro-Labor National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Megan Salrin is the National Coordinator for the United Steelworkers' Rapid Response program, the union's nonpartisan initiative for education, communication, and action on legislative and policy issues affecting USW members. Before this role, she served in USW's Legislative and Policy Department and worked for several Members of Congress from the Midwest. Jimmy O'Donnell is a Legislative Representative for the USW, where he advocates for pro-worker policies related to labor rights, workplace health and safety, clean energy manufacturing, and workforce development. Previously, Jimmy spent several years working at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social.

Leslie is joined by Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a partnership established by some of America's leading manufacturers and the United Steelworkers union.  The two discuss why labor and business groups are urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to fight back against China's decades-long global shipbuilding dominance. Next, Scott explains why anti-tariff absolutism is a mistake, and one the Democratic party would be foolish to make. Lastly, they explore AAM's spotlighting of three great U.S. products, including Steele Canvas, BLKSWN Footwear and the 'Crafted with Pride' Made in America directory. For over 18 years, Mr. Paul and AAM have worked to make American manufacturing a top-of-mind issue for voters and our national leaders through effective advocacy, innovative research, and a savvy public relations strategy. Their website is www.AmericanManufacturing.org. AAM's YouTube channel is www.youtube.com/@AmericanMfg (where you can watch episode's of AAM's podcast, "The Manufacturing Report"). If you want to listen to episodes of "The Manufacturing Report," visit www.AmericanManufacturing.org/Podcast. X: 1. AAM - @KeepItMadeInUSA  2. Scott Paul - @ScottPaulAAM BlueSky: @keepitmadeinusa.bsky.social

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.

Make room in your wallet for your Real ID and your season passes for our local amusement parks, including Kennywood, Sandcastle, and Idlewild. We're making the case for both — plus how and when to get them — and introducing yinz to Kennywood's new-old mascot, Jeeters. Pittsburgh Regional Transit is using pickle cartoons to shame us for bad behavior on the buses and T stops. The University of Pittsburgh has issued a hiring freeze, and officials say it's not entirely because of changes in federal policy and funding. Pittsburgh technology startups KEF Robotics and Swan are working with Ukraine on drone technology and testing on the front lines against Russia. The National Labor Relations Board is reviewing claims by the United Steelworkers union against U.S. Steel, but it's not clear whether they can make an official ruling. And Pittsburgh's Fringe Fest is coming! We're sharing a bit about its history and how you can get involved. Notes and references from today's show: How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh? Take This Quiz! [Hey Pittsburgh] How to Get Your Real ID in Pittsburgh [City Cast Pittsburgh] REAL ID Document Check [Commonwealth of Pennsylvania] Kennywood's Steel Curtain roller coaster won't be ready for 2025 opening day [WTAE] Kennywood knew Steel Curtain would be closed before asking people to buy season passes: lawsuit [KDKA] Jeeter's Instagram Account [Instagram] Rider Etiquette Pickle Campaign [PRT] America Turns to Ukraine to Build Better Drones [Wall Street Journal] Steelworkers' union accuses U.S. Steel of discouraging workers from speaking out against company sale [KDKA] How Trump's Firings “Paralyze” the NLRB [Mother Jones] The University of Pittsburgh orders a hiring freeze for faculty, staff [WESA] Pitt says hiring freeze not entirely Trump's fault [PublicSource] Pittsburgh Fringe Festival 2025 Shows [Pittsburgh Fringe] Learn more about the sponsors of this March 14th episode: The Frick Pittsburgh Museums and Gardens KESEM Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deborah Chunn, Market Development Representative for the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey in the roofing industry, overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, her efforts to recruit diverse workers and her role in promoting union membership. Kevin Mapp, Vice President of Human Affairs at the United Steelworkers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his upbringing in a union family, his role in promoting diversity in the union and his responsibilities overseeing Local 8888 at the Newport News shipyard.

Dennis Dougherty, Executive Director of the Colorado AFL-CIO, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Worker Protection Act, a bill to change Colorado's unique and sometimes problematic labor law structure. Donnie Blatt, Director of District 1 of the United Steelworkers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the implications of Michigan House Bill 4002, which aims to roll back critical worker protections.

Timothy James, a former member of Iron Workers Local 7, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to share his unique journey from setting iron to singing on stages, and the inspiration behind his new song, "Ironworker Anthem." Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and retired United Steelworkers member, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to provide his thoughts on the ongoing legal battle involving U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel.

Ralph welcomes historian Douglas Brinkley (author of "The Unfinished Presidency: Jimmy Carter's Journey Beyond the White House") as well as journalist and former Carter speechwriter James Fallows to reflect on the life and legacy of the late, great President Jimmy Carter.Douglas Brinkley is the Katherine Tsanoff Brown Chair in Humanities and Professor of History at Rice University, presidential historian for the New-York Historical Society, trustee of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library, and a contributing editor at Vanity Fair. He has authored, co-authored, and edited more than three dozen books on American history, including Silent Spring Revolution: John F. Kennedy, Rachel Carson, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and the Great Environmental Awakening, Rosa Parks: A Life, and The Unfinished Presidency: Jimmy Carter's Journey Beyond the White House.When [Jimmy Carter] came in in January of 1977, he said, “The Democratic Party is an albatross around my neck…” The Southern Democrats that voted for Carter in 1976 in the Senate because of, you know, “he's a fellow Southerner,” they abandoned him. They wanted nothing to do with him.Douglas BrinkleyRalph, I don't know if anyone's already told you this—there's a lot of Carter in yourself. You have a lot of similarities in my mind in the sense that you both work tirelessly, and are brilliant, and you learn the nuts and bolts of an issue and you lean into it, and both of you are known for your integrity and your honesty and your diligence and your duty. The question then becomes: Where did Carter fail? And it's about media and about power within the Democratic Party. Those two things Carter couldn't conquer.Douglas BrinkleyI've just written a column called “Jimmy Carter Was My Last President.” And by that I meant he was my last president—and I believe he was the last president for progressive civic groups as well—because he was the last president to actively open up the federal government to engagement and participation by long politically-excluded American activists. He did this actively. He took our calls. No president since has done that. He invited us to the White House to discuss issues. No president since has done that. And that's what I think has been missing in a lot of the coverage—he really believed in a democratic society.Ralph NaderJames Fallows is a contributing writer at the Atlantic and author of the newsletter Breaking the News. He began writing for the magazine in the mid-1970s, reporting from China, Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, and across the United States and has written hundreds of articles for the publication since then. He's also worked as a public radio commentator, a news magazine editor, and for two years he was President Jimmy Carter's chief speechwriter. He is the author of twelve books, including Who Runs Congress (with Mark Green and David Zwick), The Water Lords, Breaking the News: How the Media Undermine American Democracy, and Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey Into the Heart of America (with Deborah Fallows).Jimmy Carter, for better and worse, had zero national politics experience. That was part of what made him seem refreshing…But Carter, I think one of his limitations in office was that he didn't know what he didn't know, in various realms. This happens to all of us. That's why many outsiders struggle in their first term as president. And so I think yes, he felt as if he could be in command of many things. And I think if he had a second term, he would have been more effective—as Barack Obama was, and others have been.James FallowsI'm really grateful for the chance to talk with you, Ralph, at this moment. As we reflect on a president of the past and prepare for an administration of the future…There are people whose example lasts because they've been consistent over the decades. And I think you, Ralph, in the decades I've known you, that has been the case with you. I think it's the case of Jimmy Carter as well. For people who are consistent and true to themselves, there are times when fortune smiles in their favor and there's times when fortune works against them, but their lasting example endures and can inspire others.James FallowsNews 1/8/251. According to newly released CIA documents, the agency conducted extensive surveillance on Latino – specifically Mexican and Puerto Rican – political activity in the 1960s, ‘70s, and early ‘80s Axios reports. Among other revelations, these documents prove that the agency infiltrated student activist groups “making demands for Mexican American studies classes” – in direct contravention of the CIA's charter, which prohibits domestic activities. The push to disclose the reality of this spying campaign came from Congressmen Jimmy Gomez and Joaquin Castro, whose mother was monitored by the FBI for her Chicano-related activism. Unlike the CIA, the FBI has not released their records.2. Crusading independent journalists Ken Klippenstein and Daniel Boguslaw are out with a new Substack piece regarding Luigi Mangione. This piece, based on a leaked NYPD intelligence report “Warning of ‘a wide range of extremists' that ‘may view Mangione as a martyr,'” due to their “disdain for corporate greed.” These reporters go on to criticize the media for hiding this report from the public, as they have with other key documents in this case. “The report, produced by the NYPD's Intelligence & Counterterrorism Bureau …was blasted out to law enforcement and counterterror partners across the country. It was also leaked to select major media outlets which refused to permit the public to read the document…By withholding documents and unilaterally deciding which portions merit public disclosure, the media is playing god.”3. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has finalized its rule to remove medical bills from credit reports. The bureau reports this rule will wipe $49 billion in medical bills from the credit reports of approximately 15 million Americans. Further, embedded within this rule is a critical provision barring creditors from access to certain medical information; in the past this has allowed these firms to demand borrowers use medical devices up to and including prosthetic limbs as collateral for loans and as assets the creditors could repossess.4. President Biden has blocked a buyout of US Steel by the Japanese firm Nippon Steel, per the Washington Post. His reasons for doing so remain murky. Many in Biden's inner circle argued against this course of action, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. And despite Biden framing this decision as a move to protect the union employees of US Steel, Nippon had promised to honor the United Steelworkers contract and many workers backed the deal. In fact, the only person Biden seemed to be in complete agreement with on this issue is incoming President Donald Trump.5. In September 2023, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a groundbreaking proposal: a publicly owned grocery store. While such institutions do exist on a very small scale, the Chicago pilot project would have been the largest in the United States by a wide margin. Yet, when the city had the opportunity to apply for Illinois state funds to begin the process of establishing the project, they “passed” according to the Chicago Tribune. Even still, this measure is far sounder than the previous M.O. of Chicago mayors, who lavished public funds on private corporations like Whole Foods to establish or maintain stores in underserved portions of the city, only for those corporations to turn around and shutter those stores once money spigot ran dry.6. On January 5th, the American Historical Association held their annual meeting. Among other proposals, the association voted on a measure to condemn the “scholasticide” being perpetrated by Israel in Gaza. Tim Barker, a PhD candidate at Harvard, reports the AHA passed this measure by a margin of 428 to 88. Along with the condemnation, this measure includes a provision to “form a committee to assist in rebuilding Gaza's educational infrastructure.” The AHA now joins the ever-growing list of organizations slowly coming to grips with the scale of the devastation in Gaza.7. According to Bloomberg, AI data centers are causing potentially massive disruptions to the American power grid. The key problem here is that the huge amounts of power these data centers are gobbling up is resulting in “bad harmonics,” which distort the power that ends up flowing through household appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers. As the piece explains, this harmonic distortion can cause substantial damage to those appliances and even increase the likelihood of electrical fires and blackouts. This issue is a perfect illustration of how tech industry greed is impacting consumers, even those who have nothing to do with their business.8. The Department of Housing and Urban Development reports homelessness increased by over 18% in 2024, per AP. HUD attributes this spike to a dearth of affordable housing, as well as the proliferation of natural disasters. In total, HUD estimates around 770,000 Americans are homeless, though that does not include “those staying with friends or family because they do not have a place of their own.” More granular data is even more appalling; family homelessness, for example, grew by 40%. Homelessness grew by 12% in 2023.9. On January 7th, Public Citizen announced that they have launched a new tracker to “watchdog federal investigations and cases against alleged corporate criminals…that are at risk of being abandoned, weakened, or scaled back under the Trump administration.” This tracker includes 237 investigations, nearly one third of which involve companies with known ties with the Trump administration. These companies include Amazon, Apple, AT&T, Bank of America, Coinbase, Ford, Tesla, Goldman Sachs, Meta, OpenAI, SpaceX, Pfizer, Black & Decker, and Uber among many others. As Corporate Crime expert Rick Claypool, who compiled this tracker, writes, “Corporate crime enforcement fell during Trump's first term, even as his administration pursued ‘tough' policies against immigrants, protestors, and low-level offenders…It's likely Trump's second term will see a similar or worse dropoff in enforcement.”10. Finally, Senate Republicans are pushing for swift confirmation hearings to install Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence, per POLITICO. Yet, the renewed spotlight on Gabbard has brought to light her association with the Science of Identity Foundation, an alleged cult led by “guru” Chris Butler, per Newsweek. The New Yorker reports members of this cult are required to “lie face down when Butler enters a room and even sometimes eat his nail clippings or ‘spoonfuls' of the sand he walked on.”This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

President Joe Biden made good on his promise and blocked the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, and now both companies are suing the federal government, a Cleveland-based steel rival, and the head of the United Steelworkers union. So what happens now? Can U.S. Steel leave Pittsburgh? Is Nippon, based in Japan, really a threat to our national security? And what does all this say about Pittsburgh's place in our global economy? Host Megan Harris and executive producer Mallory Falk try to find answers in one of the most impactful and murky stories affecting our city today. Stories discussed in today's episode: President Biden Blocks US Steel Sale to Nippon Steel. What Does This Mean for Pittsburgh? [City Cast Pittsburgh] Nippon, US Steel file suit against Biden administration, union, and rival after $15b deal scuttled [Associated Press] Why Biden blocked a Japanese bid to buy U.S. Steel [PBS News Hour] Japan PM says blocked US Steel deal could hit investments [France 24] Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm. Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We're also on Instagram @CityCastPgh! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December 5, 2024 "Everything Co-op" launches showcase of selected picks from its 2024 Holiday list. The premiere episode features an interview with Kevin O'Brien, founder and general manager of Worx Printing, and Matthew Epperson, Employee Ownership domain expert. Vernon and his guests will explore the "There's A Co-Op For That!" mug and delve into the workings of and benefits of the Co-op business Model. Kevin O'Brien is the founder and general manager of the worker-owned union cooperative Worx Printing in Worcester, MA. Worx is a third-generation evolution of the Union Co-Op Model codified in 1worker1vote by the United Steelworkers and the Mondragon Cooperative. For 29 years, Kevin has been dedicated to cooperating with others to advance anti-sweatshop movement policies and practices in the apparel industry. His experiences have helped thousands of Labor Unions, Nonprofits and Political Campaigns to lift awareness, advance campaigns and programs, and improve fundraising results using ethically manufactured branded merchandise. Matthew Epperson has a diverse and impressive background in cooperative movements and employee ownership. In 2017 he founded the Georgia Co-op Development Center, the only statewide technical assistance provider for co-op startups and conversions in Georgia. Matthew spent almost 10 years in the US consumer-owned grocery retail co-op movement before transitioning to finance and platform research co-ops. Currently, he is the Employee Ownership Domain Expert at Zolidar, a startup focused on helping small to medium enterprises convert to employee-owned businesses.

In their latest Main Character Month installment, Bobby and Alex are joined by writer and organizer David Hill to discuss the monumental legacy of Marvin Miller, the first executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association and one of the most important figures in the history of sports and labor. Among other things, they talk about Miller's path to baseball, his various experience at the Wartime Labor Board and the United Steelworkers, the legacy he left for the players union, how he was covered vs. how sports labor fights are covered now, and more. Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tipping Pitches merchandise ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Tipping Pitches features original music from Steve Sladkowski of PUP.

Leslie is joined by Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), a partnership established by some of America's leading manufacturers and the United Steelworkers union.  The two discuss how high interest rates are crushing U.S. manufacturing's potential growth, NAFTA's lingering damage in the rust belt, and how the Biden administration's industrial policies are actually turning the tide on U.S. competitiveness. For over 17 years, Mr. Paul and AAM have worked to make American manufacturing a top-of-mind issue for voters and our national leaders through effective advocacy, innovative research, and a savvy public relations strategy. The website for AAM is www.AmericanManufacturing.org and their handle on X is @KeepItMadeInUSA. Scott's handle is @ScottPaulAAM.

Once the world's largest corporation, the now-struggling US Steel wants to sell itself to Japan's Nippon Steel. The United Steelworkers oppose the deal, and President Biden is backing the union. The Washington Post's David Lynch explains how the steel giant's future became an election-year issue. This episode was produced by Peter Balonon-Rosen, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir and Rob Byers, and hosted by Noel King. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members Photo by Justin Merriman/Bloomberg via Getty Images. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It never ceases to amaze me that corporate, political, media, religious, and other power elites routinely speak and act in the name of the masses – without ever consulting us hoi polloi.This disconnect is the source of a lot of the arrogance, stupidity, and inequality afflicting our society.Consider the huge, very troubling takeover of US Steel by the Japanese conglomerate, Nippon. This buyout was being quietly hustled to conclusion by both giants. But – boom! – suddenly the deal hit a steel wall, specifically the furious opposition of America's United Steelworkers union. The corporate elites had smugly cut a backroom deal without ever mentioning it to the union! Thousands of workers had their livelihoods arrogantly treated as irrelevant. So, the union just said uh-uh, and the executive boneheads' big buyout went from done to life support.The stupidity gene has also imbedded itself in the brains of Christian authoritarians. They are hell-bent on forcing their holier-than-thou church dogma on all of us – without, of course, asking whether we want to be “saved” by them. So here comes one Ryan Walters, Oklahoma's hyper-Christian superintendent of public schools. In a Burning Bush moment, Ryan felt God ordained him to decree that every classroom must henceforth display a Bible, and all teachers must alter their lesson plans to teach from it – even math teachers!But a funny thing happened to this un-elected flaming theocrat: Local school boards and teachers simply ignored him. Ryan, brimming with ego, had not bothered to consult parents, school boards, teachers, or legislators – so no Bibles have been purchased and no curriculums have been changed.However, his dictatorial theatrics did get the attention of one major group: Oklahoma's GOP lawmakers are now investigating his “rogue behavior.”Do something!If you also feel queasy about the encroachment of Christian nationalism into our schools, check out the work from the Freedom from Religion Foundation.Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

2 Visions for the Country | Which Vision will Prevail? https://www.audacy.com/989word The Tara Show Follow us on Social Media Join our Live Stream Weekdays - 6am to 10am Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/989word Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-2031096 X: https://twitter.com/989word Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/989word/ "Red Meat, Greenville." 09/06/24 PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is embraced by U.S. President Joe Biden during a campaign event at IBEW Local Union #5 on September 02, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. President Joe Biden joined Vice President Harris for her second Labor Day event, for the first time on the campaign trail since he departed the Democratic ticket and Harris was confirmed as the Democratic Party's nominee for the 2024 presidential election against Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump. The event was attended by members of the IBEW,United Steelworkers, AFSCME, and other unions. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found Click On Picture To See Larger PictureBiden is trying to convince the people that inflation is under control, that he brought it down, he brought it up and it never went back to where it was when Trump was in office. Biden is now proving to the American people that Trump's economic policies worked, he's copying them. The people need to understand that we are in an information war. The good guys will put on information to trap the [DS], sometimes that information seems like its not helping but it is. This is not just another election, this is about exposing the [DS] and destroying it. Once everything is exposed and the people see what's been happening to this country and who has been trying to destroy this country the people will take it back. The path is clear, when all of this is over the [D] party will cease to exist.   (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Economy Biden: Inflation ‘Is Being Stubborn' — Things Like Junk Fees Are What ‘Really' Impact People During an interview with Nexstar Media that took place on Tuesday and was released on Wednesday, President Joe Biden stated that inflation “is being stubborn and not going down to the 2% we need. But, it's significantly different,” than where it was and “the thing that really affects people's lives are all the small things that add up to big numbers for people, all these junk fees.” Nexstar Washington Correspondent Reshad Hudson asked, “[R]ight now, for many Americans, life is too expensive. Are you concerned that stubborn inflation will hurt your re-election bid?” Biden responded, “Well, look, we've brought down inflation considerably, by over two-thirds, and it is being stubborn and not going down to the 2% we need. But, it's significantly different, number one. Number two, the thing that really affects people's lives are all the small things that add up to big numbers for people, all these junk fees.” Source: breitbart.com https://twitter.com/WallStreetSilv/status/1780861320478478561 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1780941344925528504   back on the rise, the average 30-year mortgage rate is now 7.5%. This means that the monthly mortgage payment on a $500,000 house with 20% down is now $3,500/month. The $3,500/month figure also does not include property taxes, insurance, or maintenance. Homeownership is now a luxury. Biden Shows His Issues Are Getting Worse During Concerning Steel Worker Visit On Wednesday, Joe Biden went to Pittsburgh to meet with steel workers at the United Steelworkers headquarters. He had announced this week that he wants to triple tariffs on China.  But this was the very thing for which he had previously attacked former President Donald Trump. https://twitter.com/RNCResearch/status/1780617673061118434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1780617673061118434%7Ctwgr%5Eb8ad89e3c56ec0a95bfc50c97ad3d073724b0b2c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fredstate.com%2Fnick-arama%2F2024%2F04%2F18%2Fbiden-with-the-steelworkers-n2172958 Now, he's essentially admitting Trump was right by his actions. Of course, he wants to do this now, probably to appeal to the union workers for their vote.   https://twitter.com/RNCResearch/status/1780701587473932758?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1780701587473932758%7Ctwgr%5Eb8ad89e3c56ec0a95bfc50c97ad3d073724b0b2c%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fredstate.com%2Fnick-arama%2F2024%2F04%2F18%2Fbiden-with-the-steelworkers-n2172958 Source: redstate.com Biden has canceled $153 billion in student debt. Younger borrowers haven't felt it.