America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Lisa Cutler, Alliance for Retired Americans

This episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, who spotlighted content from the February American Legion Magazine. Topics included the epidemic of loneliness among veterans, the timeless leadership of George Washington and the groundbreaking legacy of Air Force General Daniel “Chappie” James for Black History Month.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Lisa Cutler, Director of Communications for the Alliance for Retired Americans, discussed recent changes to prescription drug pricing, adjustments to Social Security benefits, Medicare premiums and the impact of staff cuts at Social Security field offices.

Kai Shin, Chicago Botanic Garden Workers United | Pat Gallagher, NCLF

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.

Luis Jimenez, IAFF Local 735| Jason Monteith, SEIU-West

In today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Luis Jimenez, President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 735, discussed staffing and safety challenges facing the Bethlehem Fire Department in Pennsylvania. The conversation touched on Bethlehem’s evolving needs as a post-industrial city and the uphill battle to secure adequate staffing that meets national standards.

Jason Monteith, Vice President of the Service Employees International Union-West in Saskatchewan, Canada, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss healthcare worker shortages, the rise of privatization and stalled contract negotiations, which affect both frontline workers and patients. SEIU West represents nearly 15,000 workers across healthcare, community-based organizations, education, and the private sector in the province of Saskatchewan. SEIU-West is affiliated with the Canadian Labour Congress and the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour.

Frank Mathews, CWA District 4 | Benjamin Lynn, ATU Local 689

On today's episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), discussed the significance of First Amendment rights in labor activism, the impending closure of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the union’s endorsements in Ohio’s crucial political races.

Benjamin Lynn, Press and Communications Associate with Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 23-day strike by shuttle service drivers for Battles Transportation and RHG Group, significant wage disparities faced by the workforce and the hard-won gains secured in the new contract.

Michelle Eisen, Starbucks Workers United | Aurelia Glass, Center for American Progress

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Michelle Eisen, a barista and spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United, shared her experience working at Starbucks, how she witnessed the company’s transformation over the years and her role in the Buffalo organizing drive that galvanized a nationwide movement.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Aurelia Glass, Policy Analyst at the Center for American Progress, discussed research on union support among young Americans. Glass’s work focuses on the American Worker Project, which advocates for policies that make organizing easier and strengthen workers’ rights.

Guillermo Mendoza-Lujan, SEIU Local 121RN | Andrew Strom, labor lawyer

Guillermo Mendoza-Lujan, Secretary-Treasurer of Service Employees International Union Local 121RN, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to address significant changes threatening the nursing profession. Representing more than 13,000 members, Mendoza-Lujan highlighted the growing challenges that nurses and other healthcare professionals face due to new federal loan caps, the financial implications for aspiring nurses and organizing efforts to turn the tide.

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast hosted labor lawyer Andrew Strom, who, as an adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, explained the relevance of the 1962 U.S. Supreme Court decision in National Labor Relations Board v. Washington Aluminum Co., its application to both union and non-union workers, and how legal knowledge can empower employees.

Chris Flett & Anthony Noseworthy, IUOE Local 955 | Joe Gambill, META (SBJATC)

Today’s episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Chris Flett, Business Manager, and Anthony Noseworthy, Assistant Business Manager and Director of Organizing, from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955 in Alberta, Canada. The union's roots are in Canada's oil sands and mining industries, which create challenging work conditions. The pair also discussed a recent successful organizing drive at OEM Remanufacturing and the unique labor laws in Alberta and across Canada.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Joe Gambill, Training Director for the Michiana Electrical Training and Apprenticeship Program, shared insights into the region’s evolving electrical workforce. Located in South Bend, Ind. and affiliated with IBEW Local 153, Gambill discussed the organization’s growth, fueled by data center projects, which also required adaptations in training.

Brandon Campbell, UAW Region 4 | Amy Howell, United Labor Agency

Brandon Campbell, Director of Region 4 for the United Auto Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed some of the challenges facing American autoworkers, including trade deals, corporate stock buybacks and the need for greater solidarity among labor unions. 

Amy Howell, Program Manager at the United Labor Agency (ULA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss workforce development efforts in Lake County, Ohio, and how they bridge the skills gap through tailored support for both job seekers and employers.

Betony Jones, EnergyEmployment US | Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO

Today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Betony Jones, former labor advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy and the creator of EnergyEmployment.us, a research hub for jobs and union rates in the energy sector. Her discussion focused on the growth of union jobs in the clean energy sector, the evolving political landscape and the vital need for stronger coalitions between clean energy companies and labor organizations.

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Ohio’s labor movement as it prepares for the 2026 midterm elections, the ongoing battle against anti-union policies being advanced at both federal and state levels and the rise of union members taking on leadership roles in local government.

Dan Osborn, Steamfitters & Plumbers Local 464 | Frank Manzo, Illinois EPI

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Dan Osborn, an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in Nebraska and member of Steamfitters and Plumbers Local 464, shared his inspiring journey from union leadership to national politics. Osborn, a Navy veteran, is a member of Local 464 in Omaha, Neb. During the conversation, he reflected on how his experiences in the military, labor and union activism have shaped his perspectives on issues such as economic justice, campaign finance reform and the struggle for working-class representation in government.

Frank Manzo, an economist with the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share details about recent federal cuts and freezes impacting the state. Manzo outlined the potential ripple effect these cuts will have on Illinois jobs, household affordability and overall economic health, warning that the consequences could be devastating for both public and private sectors.