America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Joseph Kane (Brookings Institution) / Greg Regan (Transportation Trades Department)

The Brookings Institution Senior Research Associate Joseph Kane was our first featured guest on today’s show. He spoke about what is classified as infrastructure, long term investments into infrastructure, career pathways in infrastructure and how the skills in these jobs are transferable.

Also featured on the AWF Union Podcast was Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan. He spoke about infrastructure improvement needs across the country, driverless vehicles, the safety framework surrounding them and how to bring workers along with the advancements in technology.

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

The American Legion Director of Media and Communications Jeff Stoffer was one of the featured guests on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the American Legion’s efforts to greatly reduce veteran suicide, increasing mental health resources for veterans, veterans being deported and the World War I memorial opening.

The second featured guest on today's show was Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta. He spoke about the right to vote, voter suppression legislation after the last election, federal voting legislation and more.

John Nichols (The Nation) / Justin Donley (United Steelworkers Local 912)

The Nation National Affairs Correspondent John Nichols was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about having more representation for each state by expanding the House of Representatives, voter suppression and countering it and ending the overly abused filibuster rule.

Also featured on today's episode was United Steelworkers Local 912 President Justin Donley. He discussed the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline and how shutting it down will impact USW Local 912. He also explained the purpose of the “jobs on the line” demonstration at the courthouse.

Paul Puente (Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council) / Arnold Scott (AFGE District 6)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, Houston Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Paul Puente discussed the great work their affiliated building trades union members have done over the years, union climate in a so-called “Right to Work” state and apprenticeship programs.

AFGE District 6 National Vice President Arnold Scott was also featured on today’s episode. He spoke about the AFGE NOW organizing initiative, which encourages rank and file members to work on organizing more workers. Scott also discussed legislation designed to get federal employees back on track.

Randi Weingarten (American Federation of Teachers) / Melissa Cropper (Ohio Federation of Teachers)

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. Weingarten spoke about the need to get students back to school. The complex issue involves a combination of vaccination, safety protocols and helping families feel comfortable.

Also featured on today’s episode was Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper. She spoke about Critical Race Theory and what critics are saying about it, how Critical Race Theory has been accepted in Ohio and an Ohio bill that affects public school funding.

Tony Reardon (NTEU) / Christine Wen (Good Jobs First)

National Treasury Employees Union President Tony Reardon was the first featured guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about union organizing during the pandemic, the level of difficulty the IRS faced when it came to telework and increasing the IRS budget.

The second featured guest on today’s show was Good Jobs First Project Coordinator Christine Wen. She discussed how school districts pay for corporate tax breaks, tax exemption programs and tax abatements. 

Senator Sherrod Brown / MaryBe Mcmillan (NC State AFL-CIO) / Amanda Jaret (UFCW)

There were three featured guests today on the AWF Union Podcast. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown was the first guest. He discussed an effort to expand manufacturing hubs. He also stressed the need to implement legislation that would cease the outsourcing of American jobs in the name of cost cutting.

North Carolina State AFL-CIO President MaryBe McMillan was our next featured guest. She spoke about women in labor and diversifying the workforce, organizing in the south, why unions were highlighted during the pandemic and passing the PRO Act to keep corporations accountable.

UFCW Assistant General Counsel Amanda Jaret was our final guest on today’s show. She spoke about President Biden’s nominees for the NLRB General Counsel and outlined some unlawful security provisions.

Phil Smith (UMWA) / Josh Nassar (UAW)

Mine workers in Alabama are striking for a better contract that would provide them the fair wages and benefits they deserve. United Mine Workers of America Director of Governmental Affairs Phil Smith spoke about this and more, on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast.

Also featured on the podcast today was United Auto Workers Legislative Director Josh Nassar. He discussed the USMCA, the American Jobs Plan, President Biden’s build back better plan and labor reform.

Jordan McMillan (UCONN GEU-UAW Local 6950) / Rosemary Gibson (Author)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, UCONN GEU-UAW Local 6950 President Jordan McMillan spoke about why graduate employees need unions. She discussed the work they put in, why they are entitled to the pay raises and benefits and why getting involved in a union is a priority.

Rosemary Gibson, author of China Rx was also featured on today’s episode. She discussed why the price of drugs has drastically increased in recent decades and why we need to bring drug manufacturing back to the U.S.

Frank Mathews (CWA D4) / Dave Wondolowski (Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council)

Communications Workers of America District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews joined the AWF Union Podcast today to discuss the anti-voter suppression legislation, the For the People Act and Ohio call center bills.

Also featured in today's episode was Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski. He spoke about union funding for projects in Cleveland, Ohio and how difficult it is for unions to get funding for their projects.