America’s Work Force Union Podcast

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.

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.