America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Fred Albert (AFT-WV) / Kevin Pranis (LiUNA MN & ND)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, AFT-West Virginia President Fred Albert spoke about funding for public schools, Reconnecting McDowell and challenges that still exist for our teachers, school support staff, students and their families.

Also featured on today’s episode was LiUNA Minnesota and North Dakota Campaign Director Kevin Pranis. He discussed Marathon refineries and the quality of training needed to safely work at the refineries.

Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council) / Demos Demopoulos (Teamsters Local 553)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager joined the show to discuss construction in Columbus, the American Jobs Plan, infrastructure improvements and the Driving Futures and Building Futures Programs.

Teamsters Local 553 Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer Demos Demopoulos was also featured on the AWF Union Podcast today. He discussed the strike at United Metro Energy, unfair labor practices and support from Teamsters. 

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown / Brian Kelley (Kelley & Ferraro)

Senator Sherrod Brown joined the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about infrastructure, what all is included under the term “infrastructure” and the For the People Act. He also discussed a recent Senate hearing where he was able to question big bank CEO’s.

Also featured on today’s episode was Kelley & Ferraro Associate Brian Kelley. He discussed the ongoing Zantac case, multidistrict litigation cases and Roundup weed killer causing illness.

Dave Megenhardt (United Labor Agency)

United Labor Agency Executive Director Dave Megenhardt was the featured guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about states removing unemployment benefits set in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, connecting people to good jobs and helping them learn the skills they need to make themselves more valuable to employers.

Tim Burga (Ohio AFL-CIO) / Trent Williams (TEAM Corporation)

Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga was the first featured guest on today’s edition of the show. He spoke about the Great Lakes District Council, President Biden’s visit to Cleveland, Ohio to promote the American Jobs Plan and why the filibuster needs to come to an end.

Also featured on today’s show was TEAM Corporation Executive Director Trent Williams. He discussed mental health in the construction industry, how the organization helps with critical incident responses and ending the stigma around mental health.  

Will Attig (Union Veterans Council) / Mike Hazard (UA VIP)

On today’s special Memorial Day edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig was our first featured guest. He spoke about his calling to serve our country, battles that veterans face when they come home, the war against suicide and drug abuse, President Biden’s infrastructure plan and how the PRO Act will provide workers the opportunity to join unions.

United Association Veterans in Piping Program Administrator Mike Hazard was also featured on today’s podcast. He honored United States Military Service Members who died while serving in the military, the UA VIP program and creating a culture of removing the stigma around mental health and helping veterans who suffer from PTSD, depression, or traumatic brain injuries.

Kim Miller (United Steelworkers) / Wade Rathke (Working Class Perspectives)

United Steelworkers Assistant to President Conway, Kim Miller joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss the USW Rapid Response Program, getting members politically engaged and the USW’s view on the future of infrastructure.

Working Class Perspectives Contributor Wade Rathke was also featured on the podcast today. He spoke about Amazon union organizing efforts, Amazon’s intimidation tactics against the workers wanting to organize and passing the PRO Act.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Jimmy Hart (Metal Trades Department)

AFL-CIO Director of Government Affairs Bill Samuel was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the ongoing coal miners strike in Alabama, President Biden’s performance thus far and the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.

The Metal Trades Department of the AFL-CIO President Jimmy Hart was also featured on today’s episode. He explained to host Ed “Flash” Ferenc what the Metal Trades Department is all about, who they work on behalf of, the work that they do and how the Biden Administration is doing. He also discussed the PRO Act and expecting fairness for workers in the workplace and in the law.

Gina Walsh (Mechanical Insulators LMCT) / Dean Benson (Teamsters Local 120)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, Mechanical Insulators LMCT Deputy Director Gina Walsh spoke about her background as a mechanical insulator and politician. She later discussed Climate Jobs Illinois, who belongs to the group, how the group benefits working people and the objective of the group surrounding jobs and climate solutions.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 120 Chief Union Steward Dean Benson was also featured on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about refinery workers on strike, how their employer wronged them, protecting workers while on the job and rallies being hosted in support of workers.

Tom Buffenbarger (Independent Labor Voice) / Amy Hanauer (Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy)

America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s Independent Labor Voice Tom Buffenbarger was the first guest on today’s episode. He discussed the various proposals made by President Biden, tension between politicians, South Carolina school districts having their education fund destroyed and how the pandemic influenced taxes, unemployment benefits and the fight for better wages.

Also featured on today’s episode was Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy Executive Director Amy Hanauer. She spoke about tax exemptions during the pandemic and how increasing the taxes on the ultra wealthy will increase resources to spend on things working families need, including things that directly create jobs.