America’s Work Force Union Podcast

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

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond joined today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast to discuss the Build Back Better budget reconciliation bill and its chances of passing. He also spoke about the recent spike in union workers going on strike.

Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager was also featured on today’s episode. He discussed Vice President Harris and Secretary of Labor Walsh’s recent visit to United Association Local 189 in Columbus, what the infrastructure bill could mean for Ohio and more.

Fatima Hussein (Washington-Baltimore News Guild)

Washington-Baltimore News Guild President Fatima Hussein was the featured guest on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. She discussed how the Washington-Baltimore News Guild works to set standards when negotiating first contracts. She also explained the tactics employers are using to get workers to return to the office after working remotely due to COVID-19.

Dan Duncan (Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO) / Sue McConnell (Cleveland Better Business Bureau)

Maritime Trades Department Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dan Duncan joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss the ongoing supply chain issue. He said the administration has executed and laid out future plans to further improve the situation.

Cleveland Better Business Bureau President Sue McConnell was also featured on today’s episode. She warned listeners about scams to be aware of while shopping online during the holiday season.

Taylor Nelson (Roofers Local 65) / Andrew Spar (Florida Education Association)

Roofers Local 65 President Taylor Nelson joined today’s edition of the America's Work Force Union Podcast. He spoke about Local 65, a jurisdictional dispute between the Roofers and Carpenters Unions and the Local’s apprenticeship program.

Florida Education Association (FEA) President Andrew Spar was also featured on today’s episode. He discussed staffing shortages in Florida public schools. He discussed the root cause to these issues and how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated them.

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.