May 31, 2021
On today’s special Memorial Day edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig was our first featured guest. He spoke about his calling to serve our country, battles that veterans face when they come home, the war against suicide and drug abuse, President Biden’s infrastructure plan and how the PRO Act will provide workers the opportunity to join unions.
United Association Veterans in Piping Program Administrator Mike Hazard was also featured on today’s podcast. He honored United States Military Service Members who died while serving in the military, the UA VIP program and creating a culture of removing the stigma around mental health and helping veterans who suffer from PTSD, depression, or traumatic brain injuries.
May 28, 2021
United Steelworkers Assistant to President Conway, Kim Miller joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss the USW Rapid Response Program, getting members politically engaged and the USW’s view on the future of infrastructure.
Working Class Perspectives Contributor Wade Rathke was also featured on the podcast today. He spoke about Amazon union organizing efforts, Amazon’s intimidation tactics against the workers wanting to organize and passing the PRO Act.
May 27, 2021
AFL-CIO Director of Government Affairs Bill Samuel was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the ongoing coal miners strike in Alabama, President Biden’s performance thus far and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
The Metal Trades Department of the AFL-CIO President Jimmy Hart was also featured on today’s episode. He explained to host Ed “Flash” Ferenc what the Metal Trades Department is all about, who they work on behalf of, the work that they do and how the Biden Administration is doing. He also discussed the PRO Act and expecting fairness for workers in the workplace and in the law.
May 26, 2021
Today on the AWF Union Podcast, Mechanical Insulators LMCT Deputy Director Gina Walsh spoke about her background as a mechanical insulator and politician. She later discussed Climate Jobs Illinois, who belongs to the group, how the group benefits working people and the objective of the group surrounding jobs and climate solutions.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 120 Chief Union Steward Dean Benson was also featured on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about refinery workers on strike, how their employer wronged them, protecting workers while on the job and rallies being hosted in support of workers.
May 25, 2021
America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s Independent Labor Voice Tom Buffenbarger was the first guest on today’s episode. He discussed the various proposals made by President Biden, tension between politicians, South Carolina school districts having their education fund destroyed and how the pandemic influenced taxes, unemployment benefits and the fight for better wages.
Also featured on today’s episode was Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy Executive Director Amy Hanauer. She spoke about tax exemptions during the pandemic and how increasing the taxes on the ultra wealthy will increase resources to spend on things working families need, including things that directly create jobs.
May 24, 2021
The Brookings Institution Senior Research Associate Joseph Kane was our first featured guest on today’s show. He spoke about what is classified as infrastructure, long term investments into infrastructure, career pathways in infrastructure and how the skills in these jobs are transferable.
Also featured on the AWF Union Podcast was Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan. He spoke about infrastructure improvement needs across the country, driverless vehicles, the safety framework surrounding them and how to bring workers along with the advancements in technology.
May 21, 2021
The American Legion Director of Media and Communications Jeff Stoffer was one of the featured guests on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the American Legion’s efforts to greatly reduce veteran suicide, increasing mental health resources for veterans, veterans being deported and the World War I memorial opening.
The second featured guest on today's show was Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta. He spoke about the right to vote, voter suppression legislation after the last election, federal voting legislation and more.
May 20, 2021
The Nation National Affairs Correspondent John Nichols was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about having more representation for each state by expanding the House of Representatives, voter suppression and countering it and ending the overly abused filibuster rule.
Also featured on today's episode was United Steelworkers Local 912 President Justin Donley. He discussed the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline and how shutting it down will impact USW Local 912. He also explained the purpose of the “jobs on the line” demonstration at the courthouse.
May 19, 2021
Today on the AWF Union Podcast, Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Paul Puente discussed the great work their affiliated building trades union members have done over the years, union climate in a so-called “Right to Work” state and apprenticeship programs.
AFGE District 6 National Vice President Arnold Scott was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about the AFGE NOW organizing initiative, which encourages rank and file members to work on organizing more workers. Scott also discussed legislation designed to get federal employees back on track.
May 18, 2021
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. Weingarten spoke about the need to get students back to school. The complex issue involves a combination of vaccination, safety protocols and helping families feel comfortable.
Also featured on today’s episode was Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper. She spoke about Critical Race Theory and what critics are saying about it, how Critical Race Theory has been accepted in Ohio and an Ohio bill that affects public school funding.
