America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Scott Paul (Alliance for American Manufacturing) / Matt Rothschild (Wisconsin Democracy Campaign)

Scott Paul, Executive Director of the Alliance for American Manufacturing was today’s first guest on the AWF Union Podcast. He discussed how the bipartisan infrastructure bill could create thousands of jobs in construction, installation and manufacturing. He also spoke about a “Made in America” gift guide for the holiday season.

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign Executive Director Matt Rothschild was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about alleged gerrymandering in Wisconsin, and also discussed his view on the Biden presidency.

Tiffany McKee (United Steelworkers) / Lane Windham (Working Class Perspectives)

United Steelworkers Rapid Response Coordinator for District 1 Tiffany McKee was the first featured guest on today's edition of the AWF Union Podcast.

Also featured on the podcast today was Associate Director of the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University and contributor to Working Class Perspectives Lane Windham.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Lucas Franco (LiUNA MN & ND)

Government Affairs Director of the AFL-CIO Bill Samuel was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast.

 

Also featured on the podcast today was LiUNA Minnesota and North Dakota Research Manager Lucas Franco. He discussed wage theft in Minnesota's construction industry and the negative impact of the misclassification of workers.

Pete Ielmini (Mechanical Insulators LMCT) / Mike Dolan (International Brotherhood of Teamsters)

Mechanical Insulators LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss how mechanical insulators improve a building’s energy efficiency by properly installing mechanical insulation. He also advocated for apprenticeship and the promotion of the trades to high school students who may not want to go to college.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Legislative Representative Mike Dolan was also featured on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He highlighted the Buy American provision within the recently passed infrastructure bill. Dolan also spoke about problems with misclassification of truck drivers.

Tom Buffenbarger (Independent Labor Observer) / Andrew Tinkham (Ohio Consumers’ Counsel)

Tom Buffenbarger, an Independent Labor Observer, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the uptick in workers changing jobs. He linked this phenomenon to the COVID-19 pandemic and the havoc it wreaked on the job market. He also gave an update on members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 588 and their efforts to get a fair contract.

Later in the episode, Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Senior Outreach and Education Program Specialist Andrew Tinkham discussed how consumers can save money in the upcoming holiday season.

Tim Drea (Illinois AFL-CIO) / John Samuelson (Transportation Workers Union of America)

Illinois AFL-CIO President Tim Drea was the first guest on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He spoke about the AFL-CIO Building Investment Trust and how it benefits workers. He also discussed how the recently passed infrastructure bill will benefit Illinois residents.

Transportation Workers Union of America International President John Samuelsen was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about protecting public transit workers who have been on the frontlines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping them safe from unruly passengers.

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

American Legion Media and Communications Director Jeff Stoffer was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He highlighted some of the featured stories in the December edition of the American Legion Magazine, including stories about public healthcare systems and the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about the potential passing of the Build Back Better reconciliation bill, and how it would benefit the healthcare sector and fighting back against efforts to privatize Medicare.

Dave Leshtz (The Nation Magazine) / Pat Gallagher (North Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO)

The Nation Magazine contributing writer David Leshtz was the first featured guest on the AWF Union Podcast today. He spoke about the John Deere strike in Iowa and how members of the community and other labor unions showed support to the striking workers.

Also featured on the AWF Union Podcast was United Steelworkers (USW) District Director Pat Gallagher. He spoke about China dumping steel in the U.S., negotiations with Huntington Ingalls on a new contract and the passage of the infrastructure bill.

Mike Harris (Sheet Metal ITI) / Doreen Cannon (Plumbers Local 55)

Sheet Metal ITI Program Administrator Mike Harris was today’s first AWF Union Podcast guest. In the midst of National Apprenticeship Week, he spoke about the benefits of a registered apprenticeship program. He also explained how apprentices can earn college credits while completing an apprenticeship program.

 

Plumbers Local 55 President Doreen Cannon also joined the AWF Union Podcast during National Apprenticeship Week to speak about apprenticeship opportunities, recruiting more women into the union construction trades and the benefits of a registered apprenticeship program.

Melissa Cropper (Ohio Federation of Teachers) / Tim Coleman (Sprinklerfitters Local 669)

Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper was the first guest on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. She spoke about teachers getting “May tired” in November, causing them to feel burnt out. She also discussed how well-funded campaigns dominated recent school board elections nationwide.

Also featured on today’s episode was Sprinkler Fitters Local 669 Training and Outreach Specialist Tim Coleman. To highlight National Apprenticeship Week, Coleman spoke about the Local 669 registered apprenticeship program and explained how apprenticeships help put workers on a path to the middle class.