America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Frank Mathews (CWA District 4) / Dave Wondolowski (CLE BCTC)

Communications Workers of America District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the transition of power to the Biden administration, restructuring of the NLRB and the mediation board, the possibility of another relief package, hedge funds ruining companies and CWA’s response to COVID-19 outbreaks in the workplace.

Also featured on today’s show was Dave Wondolowski, Executive Secretary for the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council. He spoke about protecting pensions and issues with insider trading in D.C. before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kurt Steenhoek (United Association) / Sue McConnell (Cleveland BBB)

United Association (UA) International Representative Kurt Steenhoek was a featured guest on today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Steenhoek discussed the UA’s water quality program, contractor and member certifications and how they develop their programs, training and standards.

Cleveland Better Business Bureau President Sue McConnell was also featured on today’s installment of the podcast. With the holidays just a few weeks away, online shopping scams are running rampant. McConnell explained how to be safe while shopping online for hot items, dangerous websites to look out for and a Zoom phishing scam.

Jim Glimco (Teamsters Local 777) / Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council)

Teamsters Local 777 President Jim Glimco discussed how Local 777 recently ratified two collective bargaining agreements at First Student of Villa Park, negotiating contracts during a pandemic and what the drivers will gain under their new CBA’s.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council was also featured on today’s show. He spoke with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about the election results, a worker friendly Senate, the Driving Futures Program and promoting the trades to women.

Tim Burga (OH AFL-CIO) / Brian Schall (Kelley & Ferraro)

Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga discussed the transition of power from the Trump administration to the Biden administration, the Lame Duck session and an overview of what 2021 will look like for labor on today’s episode of AWF Union Podcast.

Brain Schall, Attorney with Kelley & Ferraro, spoke about multi-district litigation (MDL) cases with 3M and Zantac. The 3M case involves military veterans suffering from tinnitus after using their military issued ear protection from 3M. The Zantac case involves people suffering from various types of cancers after using the over-the-counter heartburn medication.

Rick Bloomingdale (PA AFL-CIO) / Dave Megenhardt (United Labor Agency)

Pennsylvania AFL-CIO President Rick Bloomingdale was featured on this edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He discussed the political activism in Pennsylvania during the election, why Pennsylvanians chose President-elect Joe Biden over President Trump this time around, the benefits of a pro-worker administration and protections for workers.

Also featured on the podcast was Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency. With their offices still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Megenhardt explained how the organization is still hosting virtual job fairs and virtual job training opportunities to connect people with work.

Encore Episode: Larry Willis (Transportation Trades Department) / James Roosevelt Jr. (National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare)

Encore Episode! Today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast is a replay of our Oct. 26 show. We featured the late Larry Willis, former President of the Transportation Trades Department. Willis spoke about how he was in support of a mask mandate on public transportation to protect workers and passengers alike.

Captain Joe DePete (Air Line Pilots Association)

America’s Work Force Union Podcast is proud to feature Air Line Pilots Association President Captain Joe DePete on today’s episode. Capt. DePete spoke about how pilots are essential workers and have been required to work throughout the pandemic, how the aviation system is the key to getting the U.S. economy back on track and the dignity of work and unity. 

Donnie Blatt (District 1 USW) / Christopher Martin (Working Class Perspectives)

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, United Steelworkers District 1 Director Donnie Blatt spoke about the USW fighting for collective bargaining rights and saving the jobs of 1,000 union members.

Also featured on the podcast was Christopher Martin, Professor of Digital Journalism at the University of Northern Iowa and contributing writer to Working Class Perspectives. He spoke about why the middle class were drawn to President Trump and what the future of journalism will look like.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Dan McCrory (National Writers Union)

AFL-CIO Government Affairs Director Bill Samuel joined AWF Union Podcast on Thanksgiving to discuss the transfer of power from the Trump administration to the Biden administration and what the future of labor and the U.S economy will look like.

Dan McCrory, author of, “Capitalism Killed the Middle Class” was the second featured guest on AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about his book and how unions can save the middle class.

Pete Ielmini (Insulators LMCT) / Len DiCosimo (AMF Local 4)

Mechanical Insulators LMCT Executive Director Pete Ielmini was one of the featured guests on today’s edition of AWF Union Podcast. He spoke about 15 major accomplishments made by labor over the last 100 years and how it has made life better for all American workers.

American Federation of Musicians Local 4 President Leonard DiCosimo was the second guest on today’s installment of the podcast. He spoke about how musicians are going to fare as the pandemic continues and how venues will survive while concerts are unable to be performed.