America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Dennis Desmond (LiUNA Local 11) / Russ Jaeger (SMART Local 263)

LiUNA Local 11 Business Manager Dennis Desmond was the first featured guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He explained how unions create and sustain the middle class, the need to invest in our country’s infrastructure and more.

Also featured on today’s episode was SMART Local 263 Business Manager Russ Jaeger. He discussed the struggles of organizing in a So-Called “Right to Work” state, educating the public about the benefits of unions and apprenticeships and more.

Barry Davies (Ironworkers Local 512) / Fred Redmond (AFL-CIO)

Ironworkers Local 512 Business Manager and Financial Secretary/Treasurer Barry Davies was the first guest to appear on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He joined the podcast to discuss the great lengths the Ironworkers go to in regard to safety training and fall protection. He also discussed how an infrastructure bill will expand apprenticeship opportunities for his Local.

AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Fred Redmond was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about a lockout at a Texas refinery, contract negotiations for a Virginia USW Local Union and how parts of the PRO Act are being worked into the $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill.

Brain Kelly (Kelley & Ferraro) / U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown

Kelley & Ferraro Associate Attorney Brian Kelly joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss an ongoing case involving the heartburn drug Zantac, which was linked to cause various forms of cancer. He reviewed the case and explained how the chemical NDMA was found in the heartburn medication and what to do if you took the medication and are now diagnosed with cancer.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) was also featured on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the bipartisan legislation to provide border agents with devices to detect and identify dangerous drugs like fentanyl. Sen. Brown also gave an update on the infrastructure bill.

Jim Ascione (Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council) / Jeff Mehrhoff (IUPAT DC 7)

Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council Treasurer James Ascione was the first guest on today’s edition of America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He spoke about difficulties unions face when organizing in Delaware. He also discussed the benefits of apprenticeship programs.

IUPAT District Council 7 Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Jeff Mehrhoff was also featured on today’s episode. Mehrhoff touched on some of the labor climate in Wisconsin, the federal difficulties the PRO Act faces. He later spoke about bridging the communication gap between leadership and members in the IUPAT.

Matt Smith (Ohio AFL-CIO) / Carl Mulert (USA Local 829)

Ohio AFL-CIO Legislative Director Matt Smith joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss efforts to fight gerrymandering, Ohio’s new Congressional maps, voter suppression legislation and more.

Also featured on today’s episode was United Scenic Artists Local 829 National Business Agent Carl Mulert. He spoke about the recently authorized IATSE strike, which was overwhelmingly approved. Mulert also explained the recent working conditions members have faced and more.

Kevin Brown (SEIU 32BJ) / Tim Coleman (UA Local 669)

SEIU 32BJ Vice President and New Jersey State Director Kevin Brown was the first guest on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Brown discussed the New Jersey Healthy Terminals Act and how it can benefit workers.

UA Local 669 Recruitment and Outreach Specialist Tim Coleman was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about apprenticeship programs being a viable path to the middle class, the UA being America’s fire protection specialists and more. 

Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio BCTC) / Mike Knisley (Ohio State BCTC)

Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive-Secretary Dorsey Hager rejoined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss Issue 7 in Columbus, Ohio, the Ohio State Building Trades Convention and a Building Futures and Driving Futures graduation ceremony.

Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council Secretary/Treasurer Mike Knisley discussed workers being abandoned at a refinery in Lima, Ohio, the Ohio State Building Trades Convention and how Ohio has remained friendly to union workers.

Adam Krauthamer (AFM Local 802) / James Hart (Metal Trades Department, AFL-CIO)

American Federation of Musicians Local 802 President Adam Krauthamer made his debut on America’s Work Force Union Podcast today. He spoke about how the pandemic affected the musicians in New York and others in the live performance industry. He also discussed vaccine mandates in the industry.

James Hart, Metal Trades Department of the AFL-CIO President, was also featured on AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about how America works best when people unionize, how workplace safety can help everyone succeed and more.

David Rutledge (Southeast Laborers District Council) / Doris Crouse-Mays (Virginia AFL-CIO)

Southeast Laborers District Council Assistant Business Manager David Rutledge was the first guest on today’s edition of AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the current Vanderbilt University worker negotiations, apprenticeship readiness programs and how the construction market is tighter than ever, making it harder to find workers.

Virginia AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays was also featured on today’s episode. She spoke about political efforts at the state level, how Virginia has made progress to improve the standing of workers and what legislators can do to improve the situation.

Tommy Maloney (IBEW Local 96) / Andrew Cortes (Rhode Island Building Futures) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent Labor Voice)

IBEW Local 96 Business Manager Tommy Maloney joined the AWF Union Podcast to offer updates on projects being worked on by Local 96 members, job opportunities in the renewable sector, the IBEW Code of Excellence and their apprenticeship program.

Rhode Island Building Futures Executive Director Andrew Cortes was also a featured guest on today’s show. He spoke about how the program came to be, SEIU members training updates, and how an apprenticeship will help people receive the training they need to get a good job and put them on the path to the middle class.

Independent Labor Voice Tom Buffenbarger discussed the debt ceiling, the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, the saving of money from the Department of Defense, the reallocation of funds and more on today’s episode.