America’s Work Force Union Podcast

William Phillis (Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding) / Tim Burga (Ohio AFL-CIO)

The Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding Executive Director William Phillis joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss the inequities and the inadequacies of Ohio school funding that he has seen first hand in his 60 years in education.

Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga was also featured on the podcast today. He spoke about multiple pieces of legislation brought forth in the Ohio House of Representatives. Burga discussed legislation regarding the Ohio budget, Fair School Funding Plan, voting bills and infrastructure.

Scott Paul (Alliance for American Manufacturing) / Steve Rosenfeld (Independent Media Institute)

Alliance for American Manufacturing Executive Director Scott Paul was the first featured guest on today’s episode of AWF Union Podcast. He spoke with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., how the pandemic exposed major issues in our supply chain management, manufacturing vaccines onshore and future infrastructure investments.

Also featured on today’s show was Independent Media Institute writer Steve Rosenfeld. Rosenfeld discussed voting legislation that appears to be rooted in voter suppression, how government officials use tough voting laws to stay in power and the proper auditing of elections. 

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown / Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council) / Sue McConnell (Cleveland Better Business Bureau)

An infrastructure plan has been a landmark promise of the Biden administration. U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown has also pushed heavily for a quality infrastructure bill. Sen. Brown joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss a bipartisan infrastructure plan, how to pay for it and more.

Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Treasurer Dorsey Hager also joined the show. He addressed the condominium collapse in Florida as an example of the importance of keeping infrastructure up-to-date to prevent tragedies and why he believes the passage of the PRO Act will benefit central Ohio.

With COVID-19 restrictions being lifted in many states, people are traveling and going on vacation. Cleveland Better Business Bureau President Sue McConnell discussed various scams related to concerts, sporting events and travel.

Tara Shiman (Worthington Public Libraries United) / Joseph Stottner (Kelley & Ferraro)

Unions are gaining the attention of a more diverse workforce following the COVID-19 pandemic. Worthington Public Libraries United Organizer Tara Shiman discussed why this central Ohio library staff decided to organize, the response from the library board, the support they have received and more.

Preparing a will to ensure that your estate, possessions, and money go to your spouse and family is an essential process for any person. Kelley & Ferraro Associate Attorney Joseph Stottner also joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss probate court and financial compensation for asbestos related illnesses.

Eric St. Pierre (Humana) / Steve Smith (California AFL-CIO)

Medicare is a complex topic that adds to the stress of retiring. Humana Associate Vice President of Group Medicare Eric St. Pierre joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast today to discuss Medicare and how Humana prepares easy to understand Medicare packages for their clients.

Later in the show, California Labor Federation Communications Director Steve Smith informed listeners about the upcoming attempt to recall California Gov. Gavin Newsome and COVID-19 workplace guidelines in the state. He also advocated for gig workers and explained how they are being exploited.

Ken Rapoza (Coalition for a Prosperous America) / Andrew Tinkham (Ohio Consumers’ Counsel)

In recent decades, the Chinese government has stretched its influence through manufacturing, cheap labor and a large consumer base. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Coalition for a Prosperous America Industry Analyst Ken Rapoza discussed the aspects of Chinese influence in the U.S.

The Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Senior Outreach and Educational Specialist Andrew Tinkham returned to the show and shed light on consumers’ being overcharged by utility companies. He also provided an update on the progress of broadband expansion in Ohio.

Greg McHale (Union Strong App) / John Samuelsen (Transport Workers Union)

Union Strong App Founder Greg McHale was the first featured guest on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He described how the Union Strong App came to be, how the New York State AFL-CIO uses the app and the benefit of having a private network deliver vital information to union members. 

Also featured on today’s episode was Transport Workers Union President John Samuelsen. He discussed the dangers of rushing the process of implementing driverless cars, other autonomous vehicles and the displacement of workers caused by an electrified vehicle fleet.

Tom Conway (USW) / Leo Jennings (Working Class Perspectives)

Workers in western Pennsylvania are on strike due to a breakdown in contract negotiations and they are not backing down. United Steelworkers International President Tom Conway discussed the strike on the AWF Union Podcast. He also shared his views on current infrastructure talks and where they may and should lead.

Leo Jennings of Working Class Perspectives also joined today’s episode. He discussed the need for a working class bill of rights and what should be included in it. Some components include raising wages, making mortgages obtainable and making college more affordable.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Tyler Noland (PenTrust Real Estate Advisory Services)

As Senate Democrats search for ways to advance the Biden agenda, Senate Republicans have stood in the way. AFL-CIO Director of Governmental Affairs Bill Samuel discussed how Democrats can achieve key campaign goals and work around the Republican minority.

 

PenTrust Real Estate Advisory Services Chief Operating Officer Tyler Noland also joined today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. He discussed the ERECT fund that invests union pension funds into all union construction projects. He also talked about the possible expansion of PenTrust and more.

Pete Ielmini (Mechanical Insulators LMCT) / Rodney Graham (Carpenters Local 74)

Mechanical Insulators LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about a new mechanical insulation evaluation course, how the LMCT promotes the industry, how insulation works and promoted the industry’s registered apprenticeship program.

Also featured on today’s episode was Carpenters Local 74 Business Representative Rodney Graham. He discussed his Local, diversity within the trade, work in their Tennessee jurisdiction and apprenticeship opportunities.