America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Zach Story, IBEW Local 210 | Best of 2025: Sylvester Taylor, IBEW Local 1

Zach Story, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 210 in southern New Jersey, appeared on the Christmas Day edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share his insights on the union’s current landscape, its organizing efforts and ongoing local initiatives that strengthen ties within the community. Story discussed the realities of union membership post-Janus decision, how utility work is adapting to new industry demands, and the community outreach that has grown from hardship.

Continuing the America’s Work Force Union Podcast Best of 2025 series, we return to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day conversation with Sylvester Taylor, Director of Diversity and Inclusion for the Electrical Workers Minority Caucus (EWMC). Taylor, a 34-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 in St. Louis, shared his experience and journey in the trades, as well as how the union has led him to become a leader in the IBEW’s efforts to improve diversity and inclusion.

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez | Best of 2025: Sean O’Brien, Teamsters

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez, representing California’s 38th Congressional District, joined the show to discuss her advocacy for workers and the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act. Sanchez, a labor lawyer and co-leader of key energy and infrastructure bills, discussed her work with the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, the bill's path through Congress and the crucial role of bipartisan support. 

On the next installment of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s Best of 2025, we highlight the interview with Sean O’Brien, President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which aired on Presidents' Day. During the segment, he discussed the union's strategic approach to negotiations, the challenges posed by automation and the ongoing efforts to organize Amazon workers.

Tom Buffenbarger | Best of 2025: Lee Saunders, AFSCME

On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Tom Buffenbarger, retired President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, reflected on the state of the American workforce, the escalating cost of living fueled by rising healthcare premiums, misleading unemployment data and the growing importance of unions in turbulent times.

On the second installment of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s Best of 2025, we highlight the interview with Lee Saunders, President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, from his Martin Luther King Jr. Day appearance, where he discussed the role AFSCME played in the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers’ Strike and shared his thoughts on Dr. King’s lasting legacy.

Greg Regan, TTD | Best of 2025: Everett Kelley, AFGE

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, discussed the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to cancel the Transportation Security Administration workers' collective bargaining agreement, the possible impact of the Protect America's Workforce Act and recent controversial changes to aviation safety rules. 

We begin the America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s Best of 2025 highlight series with the Feb. 19 appearance from Everett Kelley, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), who joined the podcast to discuss recent attacks on federal workers, AFGE's membership growth and the importance of Black History Month.

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

Today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion Media and Communications Division, who discussed the January edition of the American Legion Magazine. He discussed some of the feature stories, like the importance of the United States ratifying the Law of the Sea Convention amid Chinese expansion, the mysterious heroism of the so-called "Rambo of the Ardennes" from World War II and the nationwide preparations for the country's upcoming 250th birthday.

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss increasing poverty rates among older Americans, the challenges facing Social Security and pensions and the urgent concerns surrounding healthcare affordability for seniors.

Pat O’Gorman and Jesus Ramirez, IUOE Local 399 | Davida Russell, NCLF

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, two representatives from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399—Business Agent Pat O'Gorman and Organizer Jesus Ramirez—shared insights into the Local’s efforts to organize in Chicago’s labor landscape. Local 399 represents over 10,000 skilled maintenance employees working across hospitals, hotels, schools and more throughout Illinois and Indiana. The discussion focused on the union’s diverse jurisdiction, educational pathways for the trades, the realities of recruiting young workers and highlights from a major organizing campaign at Advocate Healthcare.

In this edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Davida Russell shared her journey as a union member, a school bus driver and a devoted advocate for the working people in Ohio. Currently the Secretary-Treasurer of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, Russell discussed the challenges she faced during her campaign to be elected mayor of Cleveland Heights, her decision to now run for a state representative seat and her advice for other union members considering political involvement.

Jordan Barab | Frank Manzo, ILEPI

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, former Occupational Safety and Health Administration Deputy Assistant Secretary and health and safety advocate Jordan Barab discussed the critical state of worker safety in America. As the author of the Confined Space newsletter and an expert with decades of experience, Barab offered a detailed perspective on the underfunding of OSHA, the enforcement process of safety laws and the real stories behind workplace fatalities.

Illinois Economic Policy Institute economist Frank Manzo appeared on this edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a study on the state’s pre-apprenticeship programs. Highlighting years of research, Manzo broke down how these initiatives, supported by both federal and state investments, are creating skilled labor pipelines, transforming lives and boosting economic returns in Illinois. His insights shed light on the success of these programs in attracting women and minorities to construction careers, as well as why they’re garnering attention from policymakers and other states.

Tony Johnston, CCCTU Local 1600 | Melissa Cropper, OFT

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we featured Tony Johnston, President of the Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600, which represents nearly 5,000 members across Chicago and its suburbs. As union negotiations loom, Johnston discussed the organization’s priorities, including the challenges members face due to Chicago’s high cost of living and the city’s residency requirements. He also outlined the union's push for fair telework policies and described the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on education jobs. Johnston further highlighted ongoing efforts to create sustainable community college models and build protections for immigrant workers in a complex environment.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss organizing efforts among library workers, recent child labor legislation in Ohio and the union’s endorsement of a gubernatorial candidate.

Carrie Lee Patterson, AEA | Jay Edwards, Former Ohio State Rep.

Today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast spotlights Carrie Lee Patterson, a multifaceted arts professional and proud member of four unions. As an actor, director, writer and dialect coach, Patterson is affiliated with Actors' Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, the American Guild of Musical Artists and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Patterson discussed her career journey, the importance and challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, her impact as an educator and her advocacy in a historic Illinois public transit campaign that united 30 different unions.

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Jay Edwards, Republican candidate for Ohio State Treasurer, who discussed his background and steadfast support for labor. As a former Ohio House representative hailing from Nelsonville, Ohio, Edwards has made a name for himself by defying party stereotypes and championing union issues. Edwards discussed his upbringing in southeast Ohio, his personal connection to the working class, his approach to labor relations and his vision for the office of the state Treasurer.

Anna-Marta Visky, CWA District 1 | Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Anna-Marta Visky, NJ Political and Field Director for District 1 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the podcast to discuss the pressing issue of healthcare affordability for public employees in New Jersey. 

Andrew Strom, labor lawyer and adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to warn listeners about the looming threats to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Strom’s conversation centered on the ripple effects of the Supreme Court’s consideration of Trump v. Slaughter. This case could significantly increase presidential control over independent agencies such as the NLRB.