America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, Adam Keller | President of United Steelworkers Local 2599, Jerry Green

Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, Adam Keller, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about their live, in-person event, Labor Talk Live. Keller also talked about the information and calls they’ve received from UAW members involved in the strikes and a new segment and newsletter known as Last Week in Southern Labor. 

President of United Steelworkers Local 2599, Jerry Green, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his time with the Steelworkers. Green also gave advice to the younger generation of workers and what he believes is the future of Local 2599.

Arnold Scott, President, AFGE District 6 | Pat Gallagher, President, North Coast Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO

President of District 6 of the American Federation of Government Employees, Arnold Scott, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a possible government shutdown at the end of September. Scott discussed the shutdown costs and the AFGE’s plan to get federal workers help. 

President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and recently retired Sub-District Director for USW District 1, Pat Gallagher, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the indefinite shutdown of several Republic Steel facilities. Gallagher also discussed the announcement that US Steel is searching for a potential buyer and the redistricting conversations in Ohio’s Congress.

Lyn Montgomery, President, TWU Local 556 | Alexandra Jacobi, Director of MAP, Bricklayers Union

Lyn Montgomery, President of the Transport Workers Union of America Local 556, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their ongoing fight for a new contract and the protest being held outside of the Southwest Airlines “Spirit Party” in Denver. Montgomery also talked about the impact the negotiations have had on flight attendants and the perception the public has of working as a Southwest Airlines flight attendant. 

As part of our coverage for National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast was joined by the Director of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Membership Assistance Program (MAP), Alexandra Jacobi. Jacboi discussed the different approach the MAP uses to help members, the stigma in the construction industry around mental health conversations and how it impacts progress.

President, Ohio Federation of Teachers, Melissa Cropper | General President, IUPAT, Jimmy Williams Jr.

Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the AFT Organizing Committee meeting. She also spoke about successful organizing campaigns in Ohio over the past two years and about grants received by several Locals in the state.

Continuing our efforts to raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month,  the General President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Jimmy Williams Jr., joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their Employee Awareness Program (EAP), the Helping Hands Program.

Henry Howard, Deputy Director of Media and Communications, American Legion | Tom Vitiello, Leslie Russell and Mark Staniul Teamsters Cares

Continuing our efforts to provide education during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Henry Howard, the Deputy Director for Media and Communication with the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Be The One program. Howard discussed the high suicide rate among veterans and the different help available to veterans.

As our coverage of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month continues, America’s Work Force Union Podcast was joined by three leaders from the Teamsters Care program, Tom Vitiello, Leslie Russell and Mark Staniul. The trio discussed the program's work, and Vitiello shared his own journey and experience in the program. 

Jeff Stoffer, Director Media & Communications Division, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Executive Director, Alliance for Retired Americans

In honor of our continued efforts to provide awareness during National Suicide Prevention Week, Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion’s Media & Communications Division, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Be The One Program and their efforts to provide mental health resources to veterans. Stoffer also talked about Operation Heal*arious and the new healthcare track established by the Task Force Movement.

Executive Director for the Alliance for Retired Americans, Rich Fiesta, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the fight for Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, the impact on retirees and the need for Social Security expansion.

Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director, CIASP | Erika Hughes, President, Central Alabama AFT

As part of our fourth day of Suicide Awareness Week programming, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, Sonya Bohmann, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the goal and resources that CIASP provides for suicide awareness. 

President of the Central Alabama American Federation of Teachers, Erika Hughes, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to describe the growing issues with staffing in Alabama schools. Hughes also discussed the fight for proper, transparent funding and the anti-union actions in Mobile County.

Jamie Becker, Director of Health Promotion with the Laborer’s Health and Safety Fund of North America | Greg LeRoy, Executive Director, Good Jobs First

As part of our continued coverage of National Suicide Awareness Week, Director of Health Promotion for the Laborers Health and Safety Fund of North America, Jamie Becker, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the mental health initiatives and resources LIUNA provides for members. Becker also discussed the Health and Safety Fund and how adaptability is key for their mental health program.

Executive Director of Good Jobs First, Greg LeRoy, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about loopholes in the Inflation Reduction Act and the impact on the economy. LeRoy also talked about similarities to the loopholes found in the Clean Energy Savings For All Initiative and why the UAW’s negotiations are being impacted by them.

Chris Carlough, SMART MAP Program Coordinator, SMOHIT | Connor Tobin, Executive Director, USLPA

As part of our continued coverage of National Suicide Prevention Week, Chris Carlough, Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) MAP Program Coordinator with the Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the award-winning work being done to provide mental health support for members.

Executive Director for the United Soccer League Players Association, Connor Tobin, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast as part of our National Suicide Prevention Week coverage to talk about an innovative mental health program with Onrise Care for professional soccer players. Tobin also talked about the unique services offered and why the program is an improvement over team-issued sports psychologists.

Dr. Sally Specer-Thomas, Clinical Psychologist | Paul Capurso, NYC District Council of Carpenters, President

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, noted psychologist, program trainer and speaker, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to begin our coverage of National Suicide Prevention Week and talk about Suicide Prevention Week and Mental Health Awareness. Dr. Sally also talked about improving awareness in the building trades and improving your Local union’s ability to help provide resources to those in need. 

President of the New York City District Council of Carpenters, Paul Capurso, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the events of Sept 11, 2001, from his first-hand experience. Capurso also discussed his work with the World Trade Center Health Monitoring Program and the importance of remembrance.