America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Steve Rank (Ironworkers) / Tom Germuska Jr. (The Labor Citizen)

Steve Rank, Executive Director of Health and Safety for the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers was the first featured guest on the podcast today. He discussed his history as an Ironworker, choosing to go into the trades instead of college, safety certification changes, updated health and safety programs and identifying risks in the workplace and updating standards.

The second featured guest on today’s show was Tom Germuska, Jr., editor of The Labor Citizen. Germuska spoke about the Georgia runoff, outlook for workers in 2021, Biden’s transition teams and deaths on construction sites.

Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council) / Mike Knisley (Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council)

Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager was the first featured guest on today's episode. He spoke about construction booming in Columbus, Ohio, the new Columbus Crew stadium being completed this summer and expectations for 2021.

Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council Secretary-Treasurer Mike Knisley was also featured on the podcast today. He spoke about the COVID-19 vaccine, the Ohio Capital Budget and workplace safety.

Jason Smith (HFIAW Local 18) / Mark Gruenberg (Press Associates Union News)

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 18 Business Manager Jason Smith joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss the Indianapolis-Marion County Community Justice Center job in Indiana being built 100 percent union, his history in the trades and LEED certified projects.

Mark Gruenberg of Press Associates Union News was also featured on today’s edition of the podcast. Gruenberg discussed how no sectors of labor were spared by the pandemic, frontline workers and their inability to get personal protective equipment and the need to get an infrastructure bill written and passed by Congress.

Jason Boyce (The Amazon Jungle) / Paul Hartshorn (Association of Professional Flight Attendants)

Jason Boyce, Author of “The Amazon Jungle,” spoke with America’s Work Force Union Podcast  about how Amazon is killing small businesses, stealing intellectual property and how lawmakers have had to deal with Amazon.

Our second featured guest was Paul Hartshorn, National Communications Chair for the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. Hartshorn spoke about the COVID-19 vaccination, how the emergency relief package will help flight attendants, personal protective equipment and keeping workers safe and updates on policies and procedures for service animals on flights.

 

Ric Reitz (Atlanta SAG-AFTRA) / Kris LaGrange (UCOMM Blog)

Actor and former Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) Atlanta Local President Ric Reitz joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast today to discuss the Senate runoff election in Georgia, the political and social clash in the state and the outlook for unions in 2021.

Kris LaGrange of UCOMM Blog was also featured on the podcast today. LaGrange spoke about his organization’s efforts to boost the chances of candidates Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock and how the Biden administration can make a positive impact on unions and their members.

Michael Sabitoni (LiUNA Local 271) / Greg Regan (Transportation Trades Department)

LiUNA Local 271 Business Manager Michael Sabitoni was featured on today’s edition of the AWF Union Podcast. Sabitoni discussed the state of work in Rhode Island, how the pandemic has impacted their work, infrastructure in Rhode Island creating good jobs and the opioid crisis

Transportation Trades Department Secretary-Treasurer Greg Regan was also featured today on the podcast. Regan spoke with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about the new stimulus bill and how the bill will keep the transportation industry afloat and the nomination of Pete Buttigieg to Transportation Secretary.

Tamara Lefcowitz (United Steelworkers) / Sherry Linkon (Working-Class Perspectives)

Sherry Linkon of Working-Class Perspectives joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the state of the working class. She highlighted the things separating the middle class and how these fractures can be fixed.

United Steelworkers Health Care Workers’ Council Coordinator Tamara Lefcowitz discussed how healthcare workers are faring. She renewed calls for the proper personal protective equipment and more.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Larry Willis (TTD AFL-CIO)

The Christmas Eve edition of America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured AFL-CIO Director of Government Affairs Bill Samuel. Samuel discussed the ongoing talks and debate on a second stimulus package and the omnibus bill. He also talked about the announced Biden cabinet picks.

As our second segment of the show, AWF Union Podcast paid tribute to the late Transportation Trades Department President Larry Willis by re-airing his final episode on AWF Union Podcast.

Pete Ielmini (Mechanical Insulators LMCT) / Vince Shaw (Teamsters Local 455)

Mechanical Insulators LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the AWF Union Podcast today. Ielmini discussed Climate Jobs Illinois, an Illinois climate change plan that would create 300,000 union jobs. He explained how this can be a roadmap for other states to follow.

Teamsters Local 455 Business Agent Vincent Shaw was also featured on the podcast today. Shaw spoke to host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about how the stimulus bill includes language that could help Gate Gourmet Teamsters across the country and other issues the Gate Gourmet workers are facing and how the Teamsters are attempting to help.

Sharon Johnson (The Progressive) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent labor voice)

Former General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Tom Buffenbarger, was one of two featured guests on the podcast today. Buffenbarger, also known as the independent labor voice for the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, discussed the selections for the Biden cabinet, the approval of a second stimulus package and IAM organizing wins.

Sharon Johnson, contributing writer for The Progressive was also featured on the podcast today. She discussed women in the trades, how unions help women receive fair pay and the benefits they deserve and healthcare unions during the pandemic.