America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Mike Hazard (UA VIP) / Andrew Cortes (Rhode Island Building Futures Program)

United Association Veterans in Piping Program Administrator and Training Specialist Mike Hazard kicked off National Apprenticeship Week as the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about what the UA VIP Program is and how it helps military members transitioning back into civilian life learn pipe trades skills.

Rhode Island Building Futures program Executive Director Andrew Cortes was the second guest on today’s episode. He spoke about the Rhode Island Building Futures Program and its rise in popularity.

Arnold Scott (AFGE District 6) / Josh Nassar (United Auto Workers)

AFGE District 6 National Vice President Arnold Scott was the first guest on today’s America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He spoke about President Biden rescinding Trump-era executive orders that curbed collective bargaining rights for federal employees and keeping the government operational.

Also featured today on the AWF Union Podcast was United Auto Workers Legislative Director Josh Nassar. He spoke about electric vehicle tax credits in the budget reconciliation bill, making sure electric vehicles are affordable for the middle class and the importance of the infrastructure bill. 

Will Attig (Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO) / Gregory T. Revard (Insulators Union)

On today’s Veterans Day edition of the AWF Union Podcast, Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig spoke about when he returned from Iraq and found a career in the building trades. He also spoke about the unfortunate circumstances in which some veterans were being deported after seeking citizenship through U.S. Military service.

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers General President Gregry T. Revard was also featured on today’s episode. He explained the path he took into union labor after serving in the military, why veterans make great candidates to work in the building trades and more.

Arlene Martinez (Good Jobs First) / Keith Thurner (IUOE Local 95)

Good Jobs First Communications Director Arlene Martinez was the first guest on today’s episode of AWF Union Podcast. She discussed grants being given to companies who invest in electric vehicle manufacturing done in So-Called “Right to Work” states and more.

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 95 Business Manager/Financial Secretary Keith Thurner was also featured on today’s episode. Thurner explained why safety training is key to what operating engineers do on a daily basis. He also spoke about the potential for new jobs created by the recently passed infrastructure bill.

Frank Mathews (CWA, District 4) / Brian Sealy (United Steelworkers, District 1)

Communications Workers of America District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews joined today’s episode of AWF Union Podcast. He discussed how broadband infrastructure improvements could result in a resurgence in rural parts of the country. He also discussed a group of call center workers organizing for better healthcare benefits.

United Steelworkers Sub-District 3 Director Brian Sealy was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about a group of 500 workers on strike at the ArcelorMittal plant in Shelby, Ohio and what they are seeking in a new contract.

Justin Williams (IUOE Local 132) / Kelly Dickey (NPMHU Local 322)

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 132 attorney Justin Williams joined the AWF Union Podcast today. He discussed the transition to clean energy and why it should benefit working people, especially union members. Williams also discussed the federal infrastructure bill and how it can benefit West Virginia.

National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 322 President Kelly Dickey also joined today's episode. She explained why the mail may be even slower this holiday season compared to last year. She also discussed potential conflicts of interest for Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

Fred Redmond (AFL-CIO) / Dorsey Hager (Columbus Building and Construction Trades Council)

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss Virginia election results and what it means for Democrats moving forward. He also brought attention to various groups of USW workers, who are fighting for fair contracts.

Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager also joined today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He reviewed election results from central Ohio. He later discussed the importance of passing the bipartisan infrastructure bill and how it will help union tradesmen and tradeswomen.

Dayna DePerro (Kelley & Ferraro) / Senator Sherrod Brown (U.S. Senator)

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown was featured on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the likelihood that the infrastructure and budget reconciliation bills will be passed by the end of November. He also discussed a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.

Kelley & Ferraro Associate Partner Dayna DePerro joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss living wills, estate planning and what happens to a person’s bank account and belongings after they pass away.

Wayne Creasap (Ironworkers) / Dave Megenhardt (United Labor Agency)

Iron Workers Safety and Health Department District Representative Wayne Creasap joined the  AWF Union Podcast to discuss worker safety. He discussed his appointment to the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health, what the committee seeks to accomplish and apprenticeships.

United Labor Agency Executive Director Dave Megenhardt was also featured on today’s show. He spoke about a celebration of rank and file workers who help move their union or organization forward. He also talked about resources job seekers have through the ULA.

Jon Schleuss (NewsGuild) / Tim Burga (Ohio AFL-CIO)

NewsGuild President Jon Schleuss joined AWF Union Podcast today to explain why news industry workers are organizing. There have been several successful campaigns recently, resulting in 1,850 workers at 40 workplaces organizing. Schleuss also spoke about hedge funds purchasing newspapers and diminishing local news coverage.

Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga spoke about elections in Ohio and the large number of union members running for office. He later spoke about the potentially unconstitutional redrawing of Ohio’s congressional map and how it heavily favors Republicans. Finally, Burga spoke about Sen. Joe Manchin and his unwillingness to unite with the rest of the Democratic party.