America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Jason Boyce (The Amazon Jungle) / Paul Hartshorn (Association of Professional Flight Attendants)

Jason Boyce, Author of “The Amazon Jungle,” spoke with America’s Work Force Union Podcast  about how Amazon is killing small businesses, stealing intellectual property and how lawmakers have had to deal with Amazon.

Our second featured guest was Paul Hartshorn, National Communications Chair for the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. Hartshorn spoke about the COVID-19 vaccination, how the emergency relief package will help flight attendants, personal protective equipment and keeping workers safe and updates on policies and procedures for service animals on flights.

 

Ric Reitz (Atlanta SAG-AFTRA) / Kris LaGrange (UCOMM Blog)

Actor and former Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Atlanta Local President Ric Reitz joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast today to discuss the Senate runoff election in Georgia, the political and social clash in the state and the outlook for unions in 2021.

Kris LaGrange of UCOMM Blog was also featured on the podcast today. LaGrange spoke about his organization’s efforts to boost the chances of candidates Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock and how the Biden administration can make a positive impact on unions and their members.

Michael Sabitoni (LiUNA Local 271) / Greg Regan (Transportation Trades Department)

LiUNA Local 271 Business Manager Michael Sabitoni was featured on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. Sabitoni discussed the state of work in Rhode Island, how the pandemic has impacted their work, infrastructure in Rhode Island creating good jobs and the opioid crisis

Transportation Trades Department Secretary-Treasurer Greg Regan was also featured today on the podcast. Regan spoke with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about the new stimulus bill and how the bill will keep the transportation industry afloat and the nomination of Pete Buttigieg to Transportation Secretary.

Tamara Lefcowitz (United Steelworkers) / Sherry Linkon (Working-Class Perspectives)

Sherry Linkon of Working-Class Perspectives joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the state of the working class. She highlighted the things separating the middle class and how these fractures can be fixed.

United Steelworkers Health Care Workers’ Council Coordinator Tamara Lefcowitz discussed how healthcare workers are faring. She renewed calls for the proper personal protective equipment and more.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Larry Willis (TTD AFL-CIO)

The Christmas Eve edition of America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured AFL-CIO Director of Government Affairs Bill Samuel. Samuel discussed the ongoing talks and debate on a second stimulus package and the omnibus bill. He also talked about the announced Biden cabinet picks.

As our second segment of the show, AWF Union Podcast paid tribute to the late Transportation Trades Department President Larry Willis by re-airing his final episode on AWF Union Podcast.

Pete Ielmini (Mechanical Insulators LMCT) / Vince Shaw (Teamsters Local 455)

Mechanical Insulators LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the AWF Union Podcast today. Ielmini discussed Climate Jobs Illinois, an Illinois climate change plan that would create 300,000 union jobs. He explained how this can be a roadmap for other states to follow.

Teamsters Local 455 Business Agent Vincent Shaw was also featured on the podcast today. Shaw spoke to host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about how the stimulus bill includes language that could help Gate Gourmet Teamsters across the country and other issues the Gate Gourmet workers are facing and how the Teamsters are attempting to help.

Sharon Johnson (The Progressive) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent labor voice)

Former General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Tom Buffenbarger, was one of two featured guests on the podcast today. Buffenbarger, also known as the independent labor voice for the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, discussed the selections for the Biden cabinet, the approval of a second stimulus package and IAM organizing wins.

Sharon Johnson, contributing writer for The Progressive was also featured on the podcast today. She discussed women in the trades, how unions help women receive fair pay and the benefits they deserve and healthcare unions during the pandemic.

Andrew Cortés (Building Futures Rhode Island) / Mellissa Chang (Good Jobs First)

Andrew Cortés, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Building Futures program was a featured guest today on AWF Union Podcast. Cortés discussed the Rhode Island Building Futures Program, recruiting women into the construction trades and how an apprenticeship is a viable option to lead to a quality, well paying career. 

Also featured on the podcast today was Mellissa Chang, a research analyst with Good Jobs First. She discussed the Payroll Protection Program, what another stimulus package may include and how it would help businesses and individuals.

Rich Fiesta (Alliance for Retired Americans) / Jeff Stoffer (American Legion)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion previewed the January edition of their publication. Some of the featured stories include the 30 year anniversary of Desert Storm, health records for service members and veterans and legislation to require federally purchased items to be manufactured domestically.

Alliance for the Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta was also featured on today’s show. He discussed the record high deaths in nursing homes, vaccination priorities and the Trump administration removing regulations on Social Security benefits.

Nathan Newman (The Nation Magazine) / Pat Gallagher (NCALF/USW)

Nathan Newman, contributing writer to The Nation Magazine was a featured guest on today’s edition of AWF Union Podcast. He discussed a couple of SCOTUS rulings dealing with California property rights and allowing organizers to speak to workers on farms.

North Coast Area Labor Federation of the AFL-CIO President Pat Gallagher was also featured today on America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He spoke about the United States’ economic competition with China, investment in U.S. infrastructure and purchasing American made products.