America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Alissa Reynolds, IW Local 63 | Martin Helms, Helmets to Hardhats

Alissa Reynolds, a journey-level Ironworker with Iron Workers Local 63, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Veterans Day to discuss her experience as an enlisted soldier with the U.S. Navy and what led her to join the trades. She also talked about the assistance provided by Helmets to Hardhats during the transition and how young veterans can find a home and career in the trades.

Martin Helms, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Veterans Day to discuss his military service and eventual transition to the trades. Helms also discussed Helmets to Hardhats and how the organization helps connect outgoing, active military members with civilian careers in the building trades.

Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer | Merrilee Logue, NLO BCBS, and Daniel Yoder, FEP Blue

Andrew Strom, a labor lawyer and contributor to the OnLabor Blog, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impacts the presidential election results could have on the National Labor Relation Board (NLRB). He also discussed holes in the National Labor Relation Act that have been exploited by corporations.

Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office at Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, and Daniel Yoder, Senior Vice President of the Federal Employee Program (FEP) at Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the open enrollment period for federal employees and how the FEP helps members simplify navigating their healthcare options.

Dian Palmer, SEIU Local 73 | Eric Brandon, Anthem

Dian Palmer, President of the Service Employees International Union Local 73, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how her union member husband helped guide her to a career with SEIU. Palmer also talked about the contract issues with the city of Chicago and the difficult negotiations workers at the University of Illinois went through to earn their new contract.

Eric Brandon, Strategic Account Executive Labor and Trust for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his union upbringing and how it helped guide him to the Labor and Trust division of Anthem. He also discussed how Anthem can help Taft Hartley Funds save union members money in healthcare costs.

Dave Megenhardt, United Labor Agency | Greg Regan, TTD

Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 2024 Year-end Report from the ULA and the annual Unsung Heroes of the Labor Movement Dinner.

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss funding announcements at the state and federal level to help modernize and improve port operations across the country.

Karla Hernandez-Mats, UTD | Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO

Karla Hernandez-Mats, President of the United Teachers of Dade, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their overwhelming union certification vote held in October. She also discussed the policy changes that established the need for yearly recertification votes for public unions.

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the issues and races on today’s ballot that could impact labor in Ohio.

David Harris, AFSCME Local 394 | Jared Abbott, Center for Working Class Politics

David Harris, a member of American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 394, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how his life has changed since he began working a union job. He also talked about his experiences during his canvassing efforts in the Philadelphia area.

Jared Abbott, Director of the Center for Working-Class Politics, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the poor messaging he’s seen from political candidates attempting to speak to union members.

Dorsey Hager, C/CO BCTC | Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share updates on Intel and other construction projects in Central Ohio. He also discussed the demand for building unions to provide well-trained members to handle new construction projects.

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts leading up to Election Day. He shared some of the concerns from union members about the election and what their vote could mean for the future.

Kevin Cooper, AFGE | Roy Morrison, BMWED

Kevin Cooper, National Political Director for the American Federation of Government Employees, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his career path to the AFGE. He also discussed how government policy has positively impacted organizing over the past few years and how members have reacted to educational opportunities around the election.

Roy Morrison, Safety Director for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) final rule proposal mandating automated track inspection to supplement human track inspections.

Jon Schleuss NewsGuild-CWA | Brice Alexander, Melwood

Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-CWA, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the decision by the owners of the Los Angeles Times and Washington Post to not publish presidential endorsements ahead of the November General Election. Schleuss also compared the difference between Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance crossing the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette picket line earlier this month and a member of the Biden-Harris administration doing something similar in 2023.

Brice Alexander, Senior Vice President of Contract Operations at Melwood, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization's mission and workforce as part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

Merrilee Logue, NLO | Greg Leroy, Good Jobs First

Merrilee Logue, Executive Director for the National Labor Office of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her battle with breast cancer during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She shared what she learned from her battle in hopes it will help others navigate their care post-diagnosis.

Greg Leroy, Executive Director of Good Jobs First, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss an article that examined the impact of film and televsion subsidies on state and local communities.