America’s Work Force Union Podcast

UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Institute | Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans

Andrew Pitts and a trio of apprentices from UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Institute (UHCHI), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the apprenticeship program and the unique journeys each apprentice faced before finding their way into thriving careers at some of Chicago's top kitchens.

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to shed light on the complexities surrounding the Social Security Fairness Act and its implications for retirees.

Nick Weaver, ABOC | Pat Gallagher, North Coast Area Labor Federation

In an era when many financial institutions prioritize profits over people, one bank stands out for its commitment to the labor movement since its beginning. Nick Weaver, President and Chief Operating Officer of Amalgamated Bank of Chicago (ABOC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the bank's unique position in serving union members and organizations.

President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, Pat Gallagher joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Social Security Fairness Act, his thoughts on President-elect Trump’s proposed policies that could impact the working class and the way labor leaders can build a better future for their members.

Arnold Scott, AFGE | Michael Hiltzik, LA Times

Arnold Scott, National Vice President of District 6 for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss challenges federal workers may face under the new Trump Administration. Scott, shared insights on the union's strategy to protect jobs and services in the face of proposed budget cuts and workforce restructuring.

Pulitzer Prize-winning financial journalist at the Los Angeles Times, Michael Hiltzik, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the future of Social Security and the potential threats to the program that could come during the Trump Administration.

Melissa Cropper, OFT | Rob Handy, Lanphier High School

Rob Handy, a special education teacher at Lanphier High School in Springfield, Ill., joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a special education program utilizing the North American Building Trades Unions’ MC3 program. Handy also shared his journey from aspiring professional baseball player to a special education educator demonstrating the power of vocational training for students with disabilities.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the issues facing Ohio's education system. Cropper also discussed some controversial bills being pushed through during the Ohio Legislature's lame-duck session and their potential impact on schools and communities.

Pete Ielmini, Mechanical Insulators LMCT | Lane Windham, Kalmanovitz Initiative

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), provided an update on the Federal Mechanical Installation Act and highlighted the potential energy savings and safety benefits linked to requiring mechanical insulation audits of federal buildings.

Lane Windham, Associate Director of the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the changing landscape of labor leadership and the importance of empowering women in the movement.

Jon Schleuss, TNG-CWA | Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer

Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to review some of their successful labor negotiations in 2024, challenging traditional approaches and inspiring new strategies for worker advocacy.

In this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Andrew Strom, a New York-based labor lawyer and OnLabor Blog contributor, joined us to discuss how judicial perspectives can impact labor law in America.

Jewelyn Cosgrove, Melwood | Kerry Koontz, Van Wert City Schools

In the fight for fair wages, Jewelyn Cosgrove, Vice President of Government and Public Relations at Melwood, is leading the charge to end the outdated 14C policy. She joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the policy and Melwood’s efforts to restore dignity and economic independence to disabled workers.

Kerry Koontz, a career counselor and coordinator of the Career Education Opportunity (CEO) program at Van Wert City Schools in Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to explain how the program is changing how high school students prepare for their futures.

Bea Thompson, IBEW Local 134| Matt Biggs, IFPTE

Bea Thompson, Business Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to speak about her career trajectory, having earned two degrees, but ultimately finding a home with a Chicago IBEW Local Union.

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Matt Biggs, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers President, who discussed the challenges and strategies unions face in protecting their members in the midst of political change.

Frank Mathews, CWA District 4 | Matt Rothschild

Frank Mathews, the Administrative Director for CWA District 4, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss some of the legislative victories and the new challenges posed by recent political shifts, offering his insights into the resilience and adaptability of unions.

Matt Rothschild, former editor of the Progressive Magazine and former Executive Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a significant legal victory for labor in Wisconsin as a recent ruling declared Wisconsin’s Act 10 unconstitutional. Rothschild provided insights into the long battle against this anti-union legislation and what the future holds for workers in Wisconsin.

Wayne Creasup, Iron Workers Union | Adam Keller, TVLR

Wayne Creasap, Director of Safety and Health for the Iron Workers Union, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and reflected on the progress the union made in health and safety, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in protective gear.

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed back Adam Keller, co-host of The Valley Labor Report (TVLR), who shared insights on the state of labor activism and union growth, particularly in the South. Keller emphasized the importance of amplifying pro-labor messaging and highlighted key victories and challenges faced by the labor movement in 2024.