America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Katie Barrows (Department of Professional Employees AFL-CIO) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent labor voice)

Department of Professional Employees Communications Director Katie Barrows was the first guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. She discussed what their department within the AFL-CIO does, who they represent and why more professional employees should organize.

Also featured on today’s episode was the AWF Union Podcast’s independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger. He spoke about a union election in so-called “Right to Work” Tennessee, transportation infrastructure legislation and the need to organize workers in various sectors of the food and commercial work industry.

Lyn Montgomery (TWU Local 556) / Brigid Kelly (UFCW Local 700)

Transit Workers Union Local 556 President Lyn Montgomery was the first featured guest on today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. She discussed the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the airline industry, passenger misconduct, protecting passengers and flight staff and relaxing COVID-19 guidelines.

Today’s episode also featured United Food and Commercial Workers Local 700 Communications Director Brigid Kelly. She spoke about the unpredictability of work during the pandemic, overworked grocery store workers trying to keep up with increased shopping demand, workers demanding a safer workplace and why passing the PRO Act will modernize labor law.

Jeff Stoffer (American Legion) / Rich Fiesta (Alliance for Retired Americans)

American Legion Media and Communications Director Jeff Stoffer was the first featured guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He discussed stories of special immigration visas for Afghan interpreters who helped the U.S. and its Afghan War allies, code names for missions, mental health resources for veterans and suicide reduction.

Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta also joined today’s episode for a discussion about a spike in unanticipated retirements during the COVID-19 pandemic and creating a structurally sound Social Security system built for years to come.

Mindy Isser (The Nation) / Davida Russell (NCALF)

Women stand to gain a lot from the passage of the PRO ACT. The Nation Contributor Mindy Isser discussed how all workers, but especially women, will benefit from the PRO Act, how temp agency workers are exploited by some companies, the effect COVID-19 has had on union organizing and more.

North Coast Area Labor Federation Secretary Treasurer Davida Russell also joined today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. Russell discussed working on the Biden-Harris transition team, the upcoming Ohio Senate race and voting rights. Lastly, she touched on Social Security payments.

Andrew Peterson (AFGE Local 1969) / Amanda Jaret (UFCW)

What are U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs law enforcement officers doing to boost their standing within the administration? Hear from American Federation of Government Employees Local 1969 President Andrew Peterson on today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He also discussed what is being done to fix other issues faced by the officers.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Assistant General Counsel Amanda Jaret also joined today’s show. In addition to speaking about various National Labor Relations Board matters, Jaret discussed various labor related cases being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Tim Coleman (UA Local 669 JATC) / Melissa Cropper (OFT-AFT)

UA Local 669 JATC Recruitment and Outreach Specialist Tim Coleman discussed the UA Local 669 apprenticeship program, how the COVID-19 pandemic affected apprenticeship and how a career in the trades is a viable path to the middle class. 

Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper was also featured on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about the Ohio Supreme Court ruling finding Ohio school funding unconstitutional, broadband issues throughout the pandemic and Critical Race Theory. 

David Van Deusen (Vermont AFL-CIO)

Vermont AFL-CIO President David Van Deusen was our featured guest on today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He spoke about the political parties in Vermont, the possibility of a general strike, New Hampshire defeating so-called “Right to Work,” fighting for social justice unionism and more.

Josh Nassar (United Auto Workers) / Wendy Patton (Policy Matters Ohio)

United Auto Workers Legislative Director Josh Nassar was one of the guests on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the Build Back Better mantra and the American Jobs Plan, bringing manufacturing back to the U.S., changes to the NLRB and the For The People Act.

Policy Matters Ohio Senior Project Director Wendy Patton was also featured on today’s episode. She spoke about issues with school funding in Ohio, the major impact that school vouchers have on public schools, quality of education in districts with lower property values and fixing funding plans for the state’s public schools.

Jenny Deam (ProPublica) / Jennifer Tague (South Carolina AFL-CIO)

ProPublica Reporter Jenny Deam was a guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about health insurance plans, how pre-existing conditions affect healthcare plans and how health insurance companies hide dangerous provisions.

South Carolina AFL-CIO Field Director Jennifer Tague was also featured on today’s show. She spoke about the anti-union politicians of South Carolina, the importance of passing the PRO Act and establishing living wage benchmarks in the state.

Frank Mathews (CWA District 4) / Mike Muzic (IBEW Local 38)

The first guest on today's episode of the AWF Union Podcast was CWA District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews. He spoke about legislation fighting for worker power, public and private employee strikes and improving broadband infrastructure to close the digital divide across the U.S.

IBEW Local 38 President Mike Muzic later joined the show to give an update on the state of apprenticeship and the Local 38 jurisdiction. He explained the importance of the classroom setting and how their apprentices will be happy to have full classrooms and labs.