America’s Work Force Union Podcast

David Cann, AFGE | Davida Russell, North Coast Area Labor Federation

David Cann, Director of Membership and Organizing for the American Federation of Government Employees, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Drive to 325 organizing campaign and the impact of the late Jane McAlevey on the campaign.

Davida Russell, Secretary-Treasurer of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Ohio Alliance for Community Education (Ohio ACE) and the Ohio Alliance Action Fund and how they are helping educate people of color in Ohio about the upcoming election. She also spoke about the upcoming fundraiser for the Ohio Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW).

Larysa Kautz, Melwood | Will Attig, Union Veterans Council

Larysa Kautz, President and CEO of Melwood, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work her organization performs to provide people with disabilities access to good jobs with livable wages and benefits. She also discussed how partnerships with several unions and federal agencies have led people with disabilities on a path to a career.

Will Attig, Executive Director of the Union Veterans Council, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about a recent meeting at the White House that discussed the Biden Administration’s impact on union jobs for military veterans and what they can do to highlight the work performed by union veterans.

Melissa Cropper, OFT AFT | Michael Shields, Policy Matters Ohio

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) and a Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the upcoming AFT National Convention and why several Locals from Ohio are going to be well-represented. She also discussed some of the common-sense guidelines from the AFT for implementing AI in the classroom.

Michael Shields, Economist from Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a failed signature-gathering campaign to raise Ohio’s minimum wage to $15 per hour. He explained why minimum wage workers in Ohio deserve a pay raise.

Wayne Creasap II, Iron Workers | Bob Funk, LaborLab

Wayne Creasap II, the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers (IW)’s Director of Safety and Health, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about improving safety for their members on the job. He also discussed this week's annual instructors training in Ann Arbor, Mich., and the importance of using members' knowledge to improve safety training.

Bob Funk, Founder and Executive Director of LaborLab, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ways corporations pay for union-busting consultants, the tactics these bad actors employ to disrupt union organizing campaigns and how LaborLab is attempting to shine a light on this industry.

David Walrod, Fairfax County Federation of Teachers | Joyce Goldstein, Labor lawyer

David Walrod, President of the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers (FCFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what the union called the most successful bargaining campaign in 25 years, resulting in nearly 27,500 workers being represented by a joint union alliance. 

Joyce Goldstein, labor and employee benefits lawyer with Joyce Goldstein & Associates, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss three recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that could greatly impact unions and their ability to provide workplace protections for their members.

Michael F. Sabitoni, LIUNA | Alex Roberts, APFA

Michael F. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer of the Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA),  joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his path to the union and how his predecessor helped show him what a good labor leader can accomplish. He also spoke about better educational tools for members during the political cycle and how LIUNA is using a new training program to help members organize.

Alex Roberts, Government Affairs Representative and Contract Action Team Ambassador with the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing six-year negotiation for a new contract with American Airlines.

Adam Keller, The Valley Labor Report | Hannah Regan, Case Western Reserve University

Adam Keller, Co-Host of The Valley Labor Report (TVLR) and a trustee with the North Alabama Area Labor Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about TVLR’s growth and summer plans, as well as and some of the labor coverage they are providing for Southern workers. He also talked about the work by the NAALC to reengage with regional workers and improve the voice of the working class in north Alabama.

Hannah Regan, Assistant Director for Research and Evaluation at Case Western Reserve University’s Flora Stone Mather Center for Women, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Black Women’s Equal Pay Day on July 9, and research into the growing wage gap for black women in non-union positions.

Frank Mathews, CWA D4 | Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, National COSH

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of the Communications Workers of America District 4, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's recent Legislative-Political Conference. He also discussed their member action day on Capitol Hill and the union's impact on the BEAD program.

Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, Co-Chair of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s proposed heat rule.

Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy, AFL-CIO | John Caneglio, President, Columbus Education Association

Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey to his new position. Calemine discussed his previous work on labor policy with the CWA and what he will be trying to accomplish during this session of Congress.

John Coneglio, President of the Columbus Education Association (CEA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent memo released by a Columbus City School Board member following public outcry against the board's school closure plan. He also talked about the history of relations between the school board and the union and what may happen next.

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

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council (C/CO BCTC), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Intel’s role in leading the construction boom in Central Ohio. He also talked about the need for improved infrastructure and how Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther has helped with the growth in the area.

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the past two years since he and President Liz Shuler were elected to lead the AFL-CIO. Redmond also discussed the union’s Legislative Scorecard and a new weekly labor news roundup.