America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Ken Rapoza (Coalition for a Prosperous America) / Andrew Tinkham (Ohio Consumers’ Counsel)

In recent decades, the Chinese government has stretched its influence through manufacturing, cheap labor and a large consumer base. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Coalition for a Prosperous America Industry Analyst Ken Rapoza discussed the aspects of Chinese influence in the U.S.

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Senior Outreach and Educational Specialist Andrew Tinkham returned to the show and shed light on consumers’ being overcharged by utility companies. He also provided an update on the progress of broadband expansion in Ohio.

Greg McHale (Union Strong App) / John Samuelsen (Transport Workers Union)

Union Strong App Founder Greg McHale was the first featured guest on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He described how the Union Strong App came to be, how the New York State AFL-CIO uses the app and the benefit of having a private network deliver vital information to union members. 

Also featured on today’s episode was Transport Workers Union President John Samuelsen. He discussed the dangers of rushing the process of implementing driverless cars, other autonomous vehicles and the displacement of workers caused by an electrified vehicle fleet.

Tom Conway (USW) / Leo Jennings (Working Class Perspectives)

Workers in western Pennsylvania are on strike due to a breakdown in contract negotiations and they are not backing down. United Steelworkers International President Tom Conway discussed the strike on the AWF Union Podcast. He also shared his views on current infrastructure talks and where they may and should lead.

Leo Jennings of Working Class Perspectives also joined today’s episode. He discussed the need for a working class bill of rights and what should be included in it. Some components include raising wages, making mortgages obtainable and making college more affordable.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Tyler Noland (PenTrust Real Estate Advisory Services)

As Senate Democrats search for ways to advance the Biden agenda, Senate Republicans have stood in the way. AFL-CIO Director of Governmental Affairs Bill Samuel discussed how Democrats can achieve key campaign goals and work around the Republican minority.

 

PenTrust Real Estate Advisory Services Chief Operating Officer Tyler Noland also joined today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. He discussed the ERECT fund that invests union pension funds into all union construction projects. He also talked about the possible expansion of PenTrust and more.

Pete Ielmini (Mechanical Insulators LMCT) / Rodney Graham (Carpenters Local 74)

Mechanical Insulators LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about a new mechanical insulation evaluation course, how the LMCT promotes the industry, how insulation works and promoted the industry’s registered apprenticeship program.

Also featured on today’s episode was Carpenters Local 74 Business Representative Rodney Graham. He discussed his Local, diversity within the trade, work in their Tennessee jurisdiction and apprenticeship opportunities.

Katie Barrows (Department of Professional Employees AFL-CIO) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent labor voice)

Department of Professional Employees Communications Director Katie Barrows was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. She discussed what their department within the AFL-CIO does, who they represent and why more professional employees should organize.

Also featured on today’s episode was the AWF Union Podcast’s independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger. He spoke about a union election in so-called “Right to Work” Tennessee, transportation infrastructure legislation and the need to organize workers in various sectors of the food and commercial work industry.

Lyn Montgomery (TWU Local 556) / Brigid Kelly (UFCW Local 700)

Transit Workers Union Local 556 President Lyn Montgomery was the first featured guest on today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. She discussed the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the airline industry, passenger misconduct, protecting passengers and flight staff and relaxing COVID-19 guidelines.

Today’s episode also featured United Food and Commercial Workers Local 700 Communications Director Brigid Kelly. She spoke about the unpredictability of work during the pandemic, overworked grocery store workers trying to keep up with increased shopping demand, workers demanding a safer workplace and why passing the PRO Act will modernize labor law.

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

American Legion Media and Communications Director Jeff Stoffer was the first featured guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He discussed stories of special immigration visas for Afghan interpreters who helped the U.S. and its Afghan War allies, code names for missions, mental health resources for veterans and suicide reduction.

Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta also joined today’s episode for a discussion about a spike in unanticipated retirements during the COVID-19 pandemic and creating a structurally sound Social Security system built for years to come.

Mindy Isser (The Nation) / Davida Russell (NCALF)

Women stand to gain a lot from the passage of the PRO ACT. The Nation Contributor Mindy Isser discussed how all workers, but especially women, will benefit from the PRO Act, how temp agency workers are exploited by some companies, the effect COVID-19 has had on union organizing and more.

North Coast Area Labor Federation Secretary Treasurer Davida Russell also joined today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. Russell discussed working on the Biden-Harris transition team, the upcoming Ohio Senate race and voting rights. Lastly, she touched on Social Security payments.

Andrew Peterson (AFGE Local 1969) / Amanda Jaret (UFCW)

What are U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs law enforcement officers doing to boost their standing within the administration? Hear from American Federation of Government Employees Local 1969 President Andrew Peterson on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He also discussed what is being done to fix other issues faced by the officers.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Assistant General Counsel Amanda Jaret also joined today’s show. In addition to speaking about various National Labor Relations Board matters, Jaret discussed various labor related cases being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court.