America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Hope Gilmore (CWA Local 1102) / Steve Lawton (CWA Local 1102) / Jon Schleuss (The NewsGuild)

Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1102 Lead Organizer Hope Gilmore discussed the concern for worker safety within call centers. After a coworker fell ill with COVID-19, the union went on a campaign to ensure workers could work from the safety of their homes.

CWA Local 1102 President Steve Lawton also joined today’s episode. Lawton focused on organizing and union activity that led to positive results for workers. He discussed a strike at Verizon that led to a quality contract and an improved relationship with management.

Finally, NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss talked about the organizing movement within the news industry. Due to layoffs and stagnant wages, reporters and other news industry workers are organizing at a quick pace. Lastly, he discussed the New York Times data workers and their efforts to organize.

John Lippert (The American Prospect) / Joyce Goldstein (Joyce Goldstein and Associates)

John Lippert, a journalist for The American Prospect, joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss worker misclassification in American warehouses. His discussion focused on jobs at Mars Inc. and Amazon. He also explained the tactics companies use to avoid using American, union labor.

Also featured on the podcast today was labor lawyer Joyce Goldstein who discussed the changes that have been made at the NLRB under the Biden Administration and what it means for workers. 

Dan Bukiewicz (Milwaukee Building and Construction Trades Council) / Desiree Hoffman (United Auto Workers)

The construction trades offer a great opportunity for people to obtain a secure and good paying job. Milwaukee Building and Construction Trades Council President Dan Bukiewicz joined the AWF Union Podcast today to explain what a career in the construction trades can do for you, apprenticeship opportunities in Milwaukee and modernized technology creating more jobs for workers.

United Auto Workers Legislative Representative Desiree Hoffman was also featured on today’s episode. She spoke about the upcoming reconciliation package and what's next for the Build Back Better agenda. She explained how she believes healthcare, taxes, electric vehicles and infrastructure will fit in the reconciliation package.

Hugh Giordano (UFCW Local 152) / Brian Farmer (OPCMIA Local 633)

As the cannabis industry begins to expand, so do the job opportunities. UFCW Local 152 Union Representative and Organizer Hugh Giordano explained the vast amount of opportunities for workers in the marijuana industry and organizing those workers.

OPCMIA Local 633 Apprenticeship Coordinator Brian Farmer was also featured today on the AWF Union Podcast. Farmer spoke about opportunities an apprenticeship provides for people and what to expect in the four years as a cement mason apprentice.

Frank Mathews (Communications Workers of America District 4) / Dave Wondolowski (Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council)

Communications Workers of America District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. The new infrastructure bill was the main topic of discussion, as Mathews focused on broadband expansion. He also spoke about the importance of passing the PRO Act and how it will finally give some teeth to labor laws.

Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about voter turnout in the 11th Congressional District Special Primary Election, the upcoming Cleveland Mayoral Primary Election and the Sherwin Williams headquarters project in Cleveland.

Leonard Aguilar (Texas AFL-CIO) / Robert Espinoza (PHI International)

Texas AFL-CIO President Leonard Aguilar was the first featured guest on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. Aguilar discussed the Texas Climate Jobs Project, union jobs being a pathway to the middle class for workers and the political climate in the state.

PHI National Vice President of Policy Robert Espinoza was today’s second guest. He spoke about the direct-care workforce being underfunded, the COVID-19 pandemic shining a spotlight on direct-care workers and the sub-par standards and conditions for workers in this sector.

Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council) / Andrew Tinkham (Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel)

Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager was the first featured guest on today’s show. He spoke about the infrastructure bill and how it will get thousands of men and women back to work. He also touched on a new facility being built in New Albany, Ohio.

Also featured on today’s episode of AWF Union Podcast was the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Senior Outreach and Education Program Specialist Andrew Tinkham. He spoke about utility payment plans for consumers who fell behind on their bills during the COVID-19 pandemic, legislative reform and how to avoid being scammed by door-to-door energy marketers.

Jack Corrigan (Kelley & Ferraro) / U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown

Kelley & Ferraro attorney Jack Corrigan joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss a case their firm won regarding a death due to mesothelioma.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown also joined the AWF Union Podcast today to speak about a new jobs bill, why the unemployment system is beneficial, the Bridge Investment Act and the Build America By America Act.

Eric St. Pierre (Humana) / Dave Megenhardt (United Labor Agency)

What is the difference between the individual market and the group market for Medicare and Medicare Advantage? Humana Associate Vice President of Group Medicare Eric St. Pierre joined the AWF Union Podcast today to explain the key differences to listeners.

Connecting people with good jobs is one of the main goals of the United Labor Agency. ULA Executive Director Dave Megendardt was featured on the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss the power in collective bargaining in a workplace, pensions, and upcoming job fairs to help people find good jobs.

Tim Burga (Ohio AFL-CIO) / Jenny Deam (ProPublica)

Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga was one of two featured guests on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. Burga joined the show to discuss supporting the passage of the PRO Act and how support for the PRO Act has created solidarity amongst union members. He also discussed gerrymandering and voter suppression laws in Ohio.

Also featured was ProPublica Contributing Writer Jenny Deam. She discussed the surprisingly low vaccination rate amongst nursing home workers, despite the toll it places on residents and staff during the pandemic. Deam also speculated on whether employers can mandate vaccines.