America’s Work Force Union Podcast

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.

Lyn Montgomery (Transport Workers Union Local 556) / Tom Germuska, Jr. (The Labor Citizen)

Transport Workers Union Local 556 President Lyn Montgomery returned to the AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about challenges flight attendants have faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact on employee morale.

Tom Germuska, Jr., editor of The Labor Citizen, was also featured on today’s show. He spoke about an upcoming special section in The Labor Citizen that celebrates National Apprenticeship Week and the valuable information readers can use to take advantage of apprenticeship opportunities.

Susan DeCarava (The NewsGuild of New York) / Robert Troeller (IUOE Local 891)

The President of the NewsGuild of New York, Susan DeCarava, joined today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about how her Union turned COVID-19 into an opportunity to organize workers with greater solidarity and adjust to the challenges of the pandemic.

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 891 President and Business Manager Robert Troeller was also featured on today’s episode. He discussed the challenges his members who are custodial engineers in New York City Schools faced when the city reopened classrooms during the pandemic.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Sue McConnell (Cleveland Better Business Bureau)

AFL-CIO Government Affairs Director Bill Samuel joined today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about why he thinks progress will eventually be made on the infrastructure and budget reconciliation bills. 

President of the Cleveland Better Business Bureau Sue McConnell was also featured on today’s episode. She discussed a variety of fraudulent scams listeners should avoid this holiday season.

Gina Walsh (HFIAW LMCT) / John Murphy (International Brotherhood of Teamsters)

Mechanical Insulators LMCT Deputy Director Gina Walsh joined today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about job creation legislation in Illinois and how it will help union workers and the environment.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Vice President At-Large John Murphy was also featured on today’s episode. He explained the Butch-Lewis Act, how it will affect union pensioners and the rollout and timing of the legislation.

Joyce Goldstein (Joyce Goldstein & Associates) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent Labor Voice)

Labor and Employee Benefits Lawyer and Founder of Joyce Goldstein & Associates Joyce Goldstein returned to AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about the possibility for NCAA athletes to organize and the possible revival of the Joy Silk doctrine, which would make organizing simpler.

AWF Union Podcast Independent Labor Voice Tom Buffenbarger was also featured on today’s show. He spoke about how supply chain issues are affecting the U.S. economy. He also discussed issues with the Boeing 737 Max airplane and how fatal crashes might have been prevented.