America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Russ Bates (NXTGEN Clean Energy Solutions) / Dave Bush (Environmental Entrepreneurs) / Jon Schleuss (NewsGuild)

NXTGEN Clean Energy Solutions founder Russ Bates was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about what the company does and how they help small businesses implement clean energy. He also discussed electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging stations.

Dave Bush of Environmental Entrepreneurs was also featured on the show today. He explained how the clean energy industry could revive the economy, how green energy is the future with energy efficiency and investing in the industry.

NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss was our final guest on today’s show. He spoke about successful organizing efforts done by the NewsGuild and some of their members in New York City potentially going on strike soon.

Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council) / Buddy Malone (Parkersburg-Marietta Building & Construction Trades Council)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager joined the show to discuss OSHA certifications, infrastructure projects in central Ohio, vaccine distribution and fair contracting.

Also featured on today’s episode was Parkersburg-Marietta Building and Construction Trades Council Business Manager Buddy Malone. He spoke about how unions are portrayed in southeast Ohio and northern West Virginia, anti-worker legislation and fighting back against it and bringing more attention to apprenticeship programs.

Dayna DePerro (Kelley & Ferraro) / Andrew Tinkham (Ohio Consumers’ Counsel)

Kelley & Ferraro Attorney Dayna DePerro was the first featured guest today on the AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about probate and estate planning, end of life care, living wills and declaration of attorney. 

Also featured on today’s show was Ohio Consumers’ Counsel Senior Outreach and Education Program Specialist Andrew Tinkham. He discussed the winter storm electrical blackouts in Texas, regional power supplies and Ohio House Bill 6.

Marie Ritacco (Massachusetts Nurses Association) / Mike Fiore (IBEW Local 29)

Massachusetts Nurses Association Vice President Marie Ritacco was the first featured guest on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. She spoke about her history in the MNA, how she participated in a strike at St. Vincent Hospital in 2000 and the ongoing strike at St. Vincent Hospital. 

Also featured on today’s episode was IBEW Local 29 member Mike Fiore. He discussed his history as a lineman, the honor of introducing President Biden during his visit to Pittsburgh and how President Biden provides hope for union members.

Jimmy Williams Jr. (IUPAT) / Tim Burga (Ohio AFL-CIO)

International Union of Painters and Allied Trades General Vice President at Large of Organizing Jimmy Williams Jr. joined the AWF Union Podcast earlier today. He spoke about President Biden’s first 100 days in office, passing the PRO Act and other pro-labor legislation, worker misclassification and a new infrastructure bill.

Also featured on today’s episode was Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga. He discussed the national week of action promoting Workers’ Memorial Day and passing the PRO Act. He later discussed the American Jobs Plan and how it will be funded. 

Zach Schafer (United for Infrastructure) / Sue McConnell (Cleveland Better Business Bureau)

United for Infrastructure CEO Zach Schafer was the first featured guest on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about the need for infrastructure improvements, how to put Americans back to work through the American Jobs Plan and more.

Also featured on today’s episode was Cleveland Better Business Bureau President Sue McConnell. She addressed three scams to be on the lookout for. She warned listeners of rental car scams, airline booking service scams and COVID-19 funeral expense scams.

Wayne Creasap (Iron Workers) / Wendell Young (UFCW Local 1776)

Iron Workers District Representative of the Iron Workers Safety and Health Department Wayne Creasap was featured on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about Workers Memorial Day, Safety Stand Down Week and eliminating falls on jobsites.

UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell Young was also featured on today’s show. He spoke about food and commercial workers and their industry during the COVID-19 pandemic and how having a pro-union president restores hope for workers and the rights they have fought for. 

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Adam Pulver (Public Citizen Litigation Group)

Today on the AWF Union Podcast, AFL-CIO Director of Government Affairs Bill Samuel spoke about the PRO Act, revising the rules of the filibuster, the American Jobs Plan and how the investment into jobs will help with physical and social infrastructure improvements.

Also featured on the podcast today was Public Citizen Litigation Group Attorney Adam Pulver. He spoke about the meatpacking industry and how the Trump Administration failed workers in the industry, funding OSHA and like-agencies and taking on cases at the appellate level.

Pete Ielmini (Mechanical Insulators LMCT) / David Dayen (The American Prospect)

Mechanical Insulators LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini was the first featured guest on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about suicide prevention in construction, breaking the “tough guy” stigma in the trades when it comes to mental health and Workers Memorial Day.

The American Prospect Editor David Dayen was also featured on today’s show. He spoke about the American Jobs Plan, restoring public investment in infrastructure and breaking privatization cycles with infrastructure projects.

Tom Buffenbarger (Independent labor voice)

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast independent labor voice and former International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers General President Tom Buffenbarger was featured on today’s show. He spoke about getting Americans back to work and improving infrastructure through the American Jobs Plan. He also spoke about Workers Memorial Day and why it is so important.