America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Justin Walsh (IBEW Local 567) / Andrew Tinkham (Ohio Consumers Counsel)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, IBEW Local 567 Training Director Justin Walsh spoke about the job opportunities surrounding electric vehicles and electric vehicle maintenance, retirement security for IBEW members and organizing efforts in the different sectors at Amazon.

Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Senior Outreach and Education Program Specialist Andrew Tinkham was the second featured guest on the show today. He spoke about Ohio House Bill 117 to further repeal one of the customer-funded subsidy provisions of the problematic House Bill 6, AEP energy disconnections and how a consumer can prep their house for the winter season.

John Shinn (United Steelworkers) / Joe McCartin (Working Class Perspectives)

John Shinn, International Secretary-Treasurer of the United Steelworkers, joined AWF Union Podcast to discuss the prospect of union job creation in the coming years. Shinn said investments in renewable energy sources will help put people to work in good-paying, union jobs.

Joe McCartin, a professor at Georgetown University and contributor to Working Class Perspectives looked back on the famous air traffic controllers strike. President Regan fired 11,000 striking air traffic controllers, further emboldening management at private companies and forever changing the labor movement.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Sue McConnell (BBB Cleveland)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, AFL-CIO Government Affairs Director Bill Samuel spoke about voting rights legislation, the bi-partisan infrastructure plan, the budget reconciliation and holding corporations accountable with monetary penalties.

Cleveland Better Business Bureau President Sue McConnell was also a featured guest on the AWF Union Podcast today. She warned listeners about multiple scams including pet sitting, car repair and charity scams after major incidents or natural disasters.

Pete Ielmini (HFIAW LMCT) / Greg Chockley (Teamsters)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini spoke about proper firestopping work. He explained the importance of firestopping and how it is an essential step in the construction of commercial and residential buildings to contain fires.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters National Campaign Coordinator Greg Chockley was also featured on the podcast today. He spoke about the Teamsters ratifying a contract at XPO Logistics and the struggle to get to that point, XPO toning down their anti-union activity and building momentum for future union contracts.

Grant Provost (Ironworkers Local 7) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent Labor Voice)

Ironworkers Local 7 Business Agent Grant Provost joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss an offshore wind project, apprenticeship opportunities for workers and fighting for Project Labor Agreement legislation in Maine.

 

The AWF Union Podcast Independent Labor Voice Tom Buffenbarger was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about his experiences with the late Rich Trumka and his constant battle for working people. He also praised Southwest Airlines for being a well represented union company.

Fred Redmond (AFL-CIO) / Peter Dooley (NCOSH)

Newly appointed AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about his new position with the labor federation, the PRO Act being renamed the Richard Trumka PRO Act and discussion about the uptick in organizing across the country.

Also featured on today’s episode was NCOSH Board Member Peter Dooley. He spoke about a recent organizing event on worker heat issues in Arizona, the need for activism resulting from worker deaths and how there have been little or no consequences to employers who put workers in potentially deadly environments.

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

American Legion Director of Media and Communications Jeff Stoffer was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He discussed the upcoming 20-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He also discussed the ongoing situation in Afghanistan, the safety of refugees and the American Legion baseball World Series.

Also featured on today’s episode was Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta. He spoke about the battle for Medicare to be able to negotiate prescription drug prices and how the Biden Administration has joined in this fight.

Tiffany McKee (United Steelworkers District 1) / John Nichols (The Nation)

United Steelworkers District 1 Rapid Response Coordinator Tiffany McKee was excited to discuss the Made in America Tour, which wraps up on Sept. 20 in Pittsburgh on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. She explained why manufacturing is such a vital industry to the U.S. economy and to members of the USW.

National Affairs Correspondent for The Nation, John Nichols, was also a featured guest and discussed the life and legacy of the late AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka. Following Trumka’s passing, the labor movement remembered the progress they made under their late labor leader. 

Glenn Kelly (BAC Local 8 Southeast) / Willie Haywood Jr. (AFGE, 6th District National Veterans Affairs Council 262)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, Willie Haywood Jr., National Veterans Affairs Council 262 Sixth District President of the American Federation of Government Employees, spoke about President Biden reversing Trump-era executive orders that restricted a Unions right to represent its bargaining unit employees. He also discussed increasing the AFGE membership.

Also featured on today’s episode was International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 8 Southeast President Glenn Kelly. He joined the show to discuss membership in the area, a reduction in workforce memo from NABTU, how the COVID-19 pandemic affected their members and more.

Melissa Cropper (Ohio Federation of Teachers) / Jeff Mehrhoff (IUPAT DC 7)

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 7 Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer Jeff Mehrhoff made his debut appearance on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about his involvement with the union, their organizing efforts, why so-called “Right to Work” is damaging to the workforce and the misclassification of workers in the construction industry.

Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper also joined the show to speak about cleaning and sanitizing protocols and mask mandates as students head back to school. She also discussed the vaccination rate among Ohio’s teachers.