America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Deborah Chunn, Roofers Union | Kevin Mapp, USW

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.

Dr. Jayne Morgan, Hello Heart | Dian Palmer, SEIU Local 73

Dr. Jayne Morgan, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss cardiovascular health, digital health solutions and the importance of preventive care for union members. 

Dian Palmer, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing public-sector workers, the role of unions in advocating for their members and the impact of recent political actions on workers’ rights.

Pete Ielmini, Mechanical Insulators LMCT | Reagan Chaney, Melwood

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss key legislative efforts, the importance of bipartisan support and the ongoing need for education in the Mechanical Insulation industry.

Reagan Chaney, Director of Community Impact at Melwood, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization's mission of employing people with disabilities, the role of direct support professionals and the importance of workplace accommodations.

Corliss King, TWU Local 556 | Tom Buffenbarger

Corliss King, a member of Transport Workers Union of America Local 556 and Illinois State AFL-CIO board member, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey as an "accidental lobbyist," her efforts to change labor laws for flight attendants and her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry.

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 So-Called “Right to Work” legislation and the impact of Defense Department cuts on workers.

Fedrick Ingram, AFT | Greg Regan, TTD AFL-CIO

Fedrick Ingram, Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the AFT's role in civil rights, challenges in public education and the importance of organizing.

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), joined the America's Workforce Union Podcast to discuss the need for improved rail safety measures, the potential impact of deregulation under Project 2025 and the importance of congressional action to protect federal workers.

Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications at the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their upcoming legislative conference, concerns over VA cuts and the organization's March magazine edition.

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what he believes is unauthorized access to Social Security data, proposed budget cuts on Medicaid and the potential impact of these actions.

Jody Calemine, AFL-CIO | Liz Shuler, AFL-CIO

Jody Calemine, the AFL-CIO's Director of Advocacy, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the labor federation's response to recent attacks on federal workers and agencies, the ongoing legal battles against executive orders and the potential impact on workers' rights and public services.

America's Work Force Union Podcast featured a special announcement from Liz Shuler, President of the AFL-CIO, where she outlined the launch of the Department of People who Work for a Living (DWPL), the impact of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency and the ongoing threats to federal workers and services.

Everett Kelley, AFGE | Richard Mack, Miller Cohen, P.L.C.

Everett Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent attacks on federal workers, AFGE's membership growth and the importance of Black History Month.

Richard Mack, a labor attorney with Miller Cohen, P.L.C., joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent upheaval in federal employment, the ongoing fight for union rights and the broader implications for labor rights and racial equality.

Melissa Cropper, OFT | Michael Podhorzer, Defend Democracy Project

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss pressing issues that could impact the state’s education system including Ohio Senate Bill 1, school funding and possible federal education cuts.

Michael Podhorzer, Chair of the Defend Democracy Project, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of billionaire influence on elections, the importance of unions in defending democracy and the need for increased public awareness and action.

Claude Cummings Jr., CWA | Sean O’Brien, Teamsters

To help us celebrate Presidents Day, Claude Cummings Jr., President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey, the challenges of maintaining diversity initiatives and the critical role of unions in advocating for workers amid political and corporate pressures.

Continuing our Presidents Day coverage, Sean O'Brien, General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, appeared on America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's strategic approaches to negotiations, the challenges posed by automation and the ongoing efforts to organize Amazon workers.