America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Rep. Tom Patton (Ohio House of Representatives) / Edan Alva (Gig Workers Rising)

Ohio House Representative Tom Patton was the first featured guest on today’s episode of America’s Work Force Radio Podcast. Rep. Patton spoke about updates and changes on Ohio House Bill 6 as well as Ohio House Bill 308, which allows peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical workers with PTSD due to employment to be eligible for compensation and benefits regardless if they already suffer from an accompanying physical injury or not.

Edan Alva, driver-leader and organizer with Gig Workers Rising discussed the organization’s push to end the misclassification of ride-share drivers and get them the protections and benefits they deserve.

Jim Cullen (Progressive Populist) / Joyce Goldstein (Goldstein Gragel LLC)

The first featured guest on the Aug. 14 episode of America’s Work Force Radio Podcast was Jimmy Cullen, editor of the Progressive Populist. Cullen discussed how desperation breeds fascism, Biden leading in polls over President Trump and the President’s COVID relief con.

Joyce Goldstein of Goldstein Gragel LLC was the second featured guest on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast. She spoke about the National Labor Relations Board, employee privacy, and anti-labor actions.

Caitlin Johnson (Policy Matters Ohio) / Desiree Hoffman (United Auto Workers)

The first featured guest on the Aug. 13 edition of America’s Work Force Radio Podcast was Caitlin Johnson of Policy Matters Ohio. In her time she discussed Reimagine Appalachia, a coalition calling on federal policy makers to ensure state funding packages that are equally beneficial for all.

Desiree Hoffman, International Representative for the United Auto Workers was the second featured guest on the episode. Hoffman spoke about the differences between the HEROES Act and the HEALS Act.

Jake Tonkel (San Jose City Council) / Tom Germuska, Jr. (The Labor Citizen)

San Jose City Council candidate Jake Tonkel spoke about the power of labor and green values in local government on the Aug. 12 episode of America’s Work Force Radio Podcast. He discussed the need for a Green New Deal, protecting workers and staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The second featured guest on AWF Radio Podcast was Tom Germuska, Jr., editor of The Labor Citizen. He discussed some of the featured stories in the upcoming edition of the publication. 

Frank Mathews (Communication Workers of America) / Dave Wondolowski (Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council)

Today on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast, administrative director for the Communication Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews spoke about President Trump promising to end the payroll tax if reelected, the HEROES Act compared to the HEALS Act, the United States Postal Service and game workers strike.

The second featured guest on the show was Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski, who spoke about construction workers finishing jobs on time and under budget during a pandemic, shipping issues and enforcing worker safety standards during a pandemic in absence of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 

Andrew Tinkham (OCC) / Ryan Zamarripa (Center for American Progress Action Fund)

The first featured guest on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast today was Andrew Tinkham, Senior Outreach and Education Program Specialist with the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC). He spoke about a possible Ohio H.B. 6 repeal, emergency utility filings and energy shut-off scams.

The second guest today on AWF Radio Podcast was Ryan Zamarripa, Associate Director of Economic Policy with the Center for American Progress Action Fund. He spoke about the organization’s new memo, “Trump to Tout Manufacturing in Ohio as Unemployment Surges to 10.9% Since February,” which reevaluates claims that the President made during his campaign trail and how he is responsible for countless broken promises.

Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio Building Trades) / Angelina Drake (PHI)

The first featured guest on the August 7 show was Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager. He discussed the value of Scabby the Rat, pre-apprenticeship programs and the need for infrastructure improvements.

The second guest was Angelina Drake, chief operating officer with PHI. She informed listeners about PHI’s latest Caring for the Future report “Direct Care is Real Work: Elevating the Role of the Direct Care Worker.”

Brian Kelley (Kelley & Ferraro) / Senator Sherrod Brown (U.S. Senator)

The first guest on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast was Kelley and Ferraro attorney, Brian Kelley. He spoke about asbestos exposure and settlement cases against asbestos manufacturing companies. He also discussed issues with Roundup weed killer and the heartburn medication Zantac.

United States Senator, Sherrod Brown (D-OH) was the second featured guest on today’s show. Sen. Brown talked about Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell not passing the HEROES Act, and the introduction of the Protecting American Heroes Act.

Lou Antonellis (IBEW 103) / Dave Megenhardt (United Labor Agency)

The first guest today on AWF Radio Podcast was Lou Antonellis, Business Manager Financial Secretary with IBEW Local 103 spoke about their generous donation to the Boston Resiliency Fund.

The second featured guest was Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director with the United Labor Agency, who spoke about virtual job training for marketable skills. 

Matt Smith (Ohio AFL-CIO) / Peter Dooley (National Council for Occupational Safety and Health)

The first guest on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast is Ohio AFL-CIO Legislative Director Matt Smith. He discussed the differences between the HEALS Act and the HEROES Act.

 

The second guest on the show today was Safety and Health Senior Project Coordinator with the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health Peter Dooley. He discussed a safe and just return to work and the benefits of a union presence in the workplace.