America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Union Ironworker to Congress? Brian Poindexter’s Mission to Reward Work over Wealth

“Washington needs more people who have worn a tool belt and fewer who take orders from donors.”

Today on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we’re joined by Brian Poindexter, a member of Ironworkers Local 17 and a five-term Brook Park City Councilman currently running for Congress in Ohio’s 7th District.

Poindexter shares his "old-school" approach to a modern campaign, focusing on door-knocking and direct voter contact over expensive media scripts. We dive into the core of his platform: wages, healthcare and retirement security—issues that impact every working family regardless of party registration.

Key highlights from this episode include:

• The Path to the Middle Class: How a union apprenticeship at age 27 changed Poindexter's life and why he wants to expand that ladder for all workers.

• A Record of Action: His work in Brook Park opposing so-called “Right-to-Work” and using technology to increase civic transparency.

• The 7th District Map: Why Poindexter believes political operatives are wrong about Ohio’s 7th and how a pro-worker message can win in suburban and rural communities alike.

• Major Endorsements: The momentum behind his campaign, including support from the Ohio AFL-CIO, UAW, IAM, Sen. Bernie Sanders and more.

• The Brook Park Stadium: His perspective on the economic impact and the thousands of union construction jobs tied to the project.

Whether you're in the trades or want a government that prioritizes work over wealth, this conversation is a masterclass in grassroots labor politics.

Learn more at: https://poindexterforcongress.com/

Worker Power & Workplace Rights: The 2026 Midwest Ground Game and the Truth About Free Speech at Work

Segment 1: The Midwest Primary Ground Game with Frank Mathews The 2026 primary season is officially underway, and for the Communication Workers of America (CWA) District 4, this isn't just a warmup—it's a proving ground. Administrative Director Frank Mathews joins the show to discuss why labor is prioritizing "lived experience" candidates in Ohio and Wisconsin. From the momentum of the Wisconsin Supreme Court victories to the ground game for candidates like Brian Poindexter and Adam Miller, Frank breaks down how member education is driving turnout. Plus: A critical procedural warning for union households on why you must verify your voter registration status now to avoid Election Day surprises.

Segment 2: Do You Have Free Speech at Work? with Andrew Strom Most Americans assume the First Amendment follows them into the office, but labor lawyer Andrew Strom reveals a blunt reality: for most private-sector workers, that promise stops at the time clock. Andrew explains the legal gap between public and private employment and why "at-will" work leaves many employees vulnerable to discipline for their personal opinions. We dive into the "just-cause" shield found in union contracts, the rise of social media risks, and why state laws like Connecticut’s offer a blueprint for protecting worker expression without disrupting business operations.

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How Unions Saved Pensions with IBEW 4th District's International Vice President Austin Keyser

Five years ago, the American retirement system faced a "cascading collapse" that threatened to wipe out the hard-earned security of union households nationwide. Today, the Butch Lewis Act stands as a landmark victory for organized labor.

On this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc sits down with Austin Keyser, International Vice President for the IBEW 4th District. Keyser provides an insider’s look at the high-stakes battle to pass the Act and why it was about much more than just a "bailout."

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Breaking Point: Why the shift in the trucking and industrial sectors created "orphaned" pension obligations.

• The Firewall Effect: How the Butch Lewis Act prevented a downward spiral that would have bankrupted the PBGC and healthy pension plans alike.

• Restoring Dignity: The story of retirees who saw their previous benefit cuts reversed and were made whole again.

• The Legislative Fight: The role of former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and the coordinated union pressure that finally broke years of Washington gridlock.

• The Future of Retirement: Why the Butch Lewis Act provides a blueprint for expanding and strengthening defined benefit plans for the next generation of workers.

More Information: To stay updated on the latest in the labor movement, visit awfpodcast.com. Subscribe for daily interviews with the leaders and activists building worker power across America.

UFCW 3000’s Faye Guenther on Strikes, Mergers and Holding the Line

What does it take to grow a union to 50,000 members across three states? According to UFCW 3000 President Faye Guenther, it isn't a branding exercise—it’s a disciplined strategy of building "strike-ready" leverage.

In today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Guenther joins us to pull back the curtain on how Local 3000 became a regional powerhouse. From her roots as the daughter of a seasonal worker to leading one of the most influential locals in the Pacific Northwest, Faye shares the hard-won lessons of organizing in the modern era.

We dive deep into:

• The Power of the Purse: How a $33 million strike fund changes the math at the bargaining table and prevents workers from being "starved out."

• The "First Contract" Reality Check: Why winning an election is only the beginning, and why preparing for a strike starts on day one.

• Antitrust Muscle: The inside story of how the union helped block a massive grocery merger to protect communities and jobs.

• Building Density: Why organizing the "grocery footprint" of retail and tech giants is the next major frontier for labor.

Faye’s message is clear: Law follows power, not the other way around. Tune in to hear how UFCW 3000 is rebuilding that power from the shop floor up.

D.C. Nurses Fight Wage Theft, Understaffing and Management Failures at MedStar

Lily Epstein of National Nurses United joins the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to detail the high-stakes battle at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. What began as contract negotiations quickly shifted when nurses uncovered systemic payroll errors, missed-break pay violations and delayed compensation.

Epstein explains how these wage-and-hour issues are inextricably linked to chronic understaffing and patient safety. She discusses the decision to involve the D.C. Attorney General, the challenges of working in high-acuity units and how the union provides the structure necessary to hold massive hospital systems accountable. From workplace violence protections to the impact of AI on nursing, this episode covers the frontline fight for respect, safety and fair pay in the nation's capital.

The Future of the Trowel Trades: Tim Driscoll on Infrastructure, AI and the Fight for Fairness

As we move through 2026, the stakes for the American worker have never been higher. International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers (BAC) President Timothy J. Driscoll joins the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for a deep dive into the shifting landscape of the construction industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Infrastructure Gap: Why scaling back federal investment is a "quality of life" threat for American communities.

• The Misclassification Epidemic: How "low-road" employers are using the independent contractor loophole to strip benefits from 2 million workers.

• Technology vs. Craftsmanship: From laser screeds to AI, how the BAC is ensuring technology empowers workers rather than replacing them.

• A Legacy of Inclusion: Why the union's immigrant roots are the key to its future growth.

Don't miss this essential look at how one of America's most storied unions is adapting to a high-tech, high-stakes economy.

Building Worker Power: California’s AI Fight & Ohio’s Election Ground Game

Two powerhouses of the American labor movement join the America’s Work Force Union Podcast today to discuss the evolving strategy of the AFL-CIO in the nation’s most critical political and economic hubs.

Segment 1: Organizing and AI in the Golden State

Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, joins us to explain why California is the nation's primary testing ground for worker-friendly legislation. Gonzalez breaks down:

• The Enforcement Gap: Why strong labor laws don't matter without accountability for wage theft and safety violations.

• Organizing at Scale: How the federation added 100,000 members last year through initiatives like the UnionizeCalifornia.org portal.

• The AI Frontline: Setting guardrails on technology to prevent surveillance and the "deskilling" of the workforce.

Segment 2: Mobilizing the Midwest and Honoring the Fallen

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, provides a status report on the labor-to-labor outreach program as Ohio heads into a high-stakes primary. Burga discusses:

• The Path to Power: Supporting union members running for office and cutting through "big money" with direct, workplace leafleting and door-to-door canvassing.

• Political Energy: Why affordability and federal labor attacks are driving record-breaking engagement among Ohio union households.

• Workers Memorial Day: A look back at the 1940 Willow Grove mine disaster and why the fight for on-the-job safety remains a personal and professional priority for the federation.

Join the Fight

Every victory at the bargaining table starts with workers standing together. Subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to stay informed on the leaders and organizers building real power across America.

Learn more at: awf.labortools.com

From Survival to Stability: Liz Looper’s Journey into the Painters Union

“I was looking for a way to move beyond survival work and into something that could support a real future.”

Liz Looper spent years in the cycle of low-wage work, juggling the pressures of motherhood and constant financial uncertainty. She knew she needed a change, but like many, she didn’t realize the door to the skilled trades was wide open for her.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Looper joins us to share her inspiring transition into a first-year apprenticeship with Painters District Council 30 (PDC 30) and the North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute (NCIFTI).

What we discuss in this episode:

• The Turning Point: How a simple social media post and support from Goodwill led Liz to a life-changing pre-apprenticeship program.

• Breaking Barriers: Liz’s experience entering a male-dominated field and finding a community of women already thriving in the trades.

• The Union Advantage: Why the "full package"—including livable wages, retirement security, and essential benefits like pregnancy leave—makes the IUPAT a game-changer for families.

• A Message to Others: Why it is never too late to start a career that provides a path to the middle class, regardless of your age or background.

Liz’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that with persistence, the right training, and union support, a stable and purposeful career is within reach.

The Real Truth About Ohio’s Hazmat Gaps with OAPFF President Jon Harvey

Three years after East Palestine, and just weeks after a major chlorine leak at a Washington Court House water plant required a multi-county response, a haunting question remains: Is Ohio actually prepared for the next big one?

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we sit down with Jon Harvey, President of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF). While new state grants were recently announced, Harvey warns that a "check-the-box" approach to safety isn't enough. From the dangerous training gaps in rural counties to the need for a unified command structure that actually works in real-time, this is a raw look at the life-or-death stakes of hazardous materials response.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Rural/Urban Divide: Why today’s new legislative push for statewide ambulance coverage is only the first step in fixing a broken system.

• The "Pause" That Saves Lives: Why hazmat scenes require a different mindset than standard fire calls—and why "rushing in" can be a fatal mistake.

• Legislative Inertia: Why critical safety bills like the Michael Louis Palumbo Jr. Act take years to pass while risks grow every day.

• Recruitment Crisis: How the physical and emotional toll of the job is changing the face of the fire service in 2026.

Don’t miss this critical update on the safety of our communities and the men and women who protect them.

Ohio’s Data Center Boom & The National Fight for Economic Relief

The data center boom is reshaping the Midwest, while at the national level, workers are rising up to demand economic accountability.

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle two defining fronts of the modern labor movement: the massive industrial build-out of digital infrastructure and the nationwide mobilization for affordability and representation.

Segment 1: Building the Digital Backbone of Ohio

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joins us to discuss the staggering scale of data center construction in the region.

• The Numbers: Why 20 million labor hours are just the beginning for the building trades.

• The Career Path: How IBEW Local 1105 and others are scaling apprenticeship programs to create six-figure careers without a college degree.

• The Community Impact: Addressing local concerns and why data centers are a long-term win for the middle class.

Segment 2: AFL-CIO Mobilizes for Economic Fairness

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joins the program to discuss why workers are taking to the streets to demand relief from the rising cost of living.

• The Mobilization: Insights from the "No Kings Day" rallies and the disconnect between Washington policy and kitchen-table math.

• Voter Education: Why the AFL-CIO is treating the ballot box as a workplace safety and standards issue.

• A Historic Milestone: A look at Roxanne Brown’s rise to become the 10th International President of the United Steelworkers.