America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Ric Rietz (SAG-AFTRA ATL) / Tom Buffenbarger (Former IAM GP)

Former President of SAG-AFTRA Atlanta Ric Reitz was a featured guest on today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He discussed his background in show business, how he got involved in SAG-AFTRA and the safety measures that unions are putting on productions to keep everyone safe.

Former International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers General President Tom Buffenbarger rejoined host Ed “Flash” Ferenc on today’s episode to talk about his optimism following the 2020 election, the future of organizing for machinists and the future of labor.

Stuart Appelbaum (Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union) / Greg Regan (TTD of the AFL-CIO)

With the holiday shopping season quickly approaching, Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Stuart Appelbaum expressed his concern about the safety of workers and customers who are on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. On today’s edition of AWF Union Podcast, Appelbaum spoke about what needs to be done to keep everyone safe during this hectic shopping season, union versus nonunion work environment and employers protecting their workers.

Transportation Trades Department Secretary-Treasurer Greg Regan spoke with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about the lack of negotiating in good faith to get transportation workers the protections they desperately need while working during the ongoing pandemic.

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

For years, the United States has relied on China for the manufacturing of many products. More notably, for personal protective equipment and over the counter medication. American Legion Director of Media and Communications Jeff Stoffer spoke about the need for the U.S. to diversify its supply chain and told a story of a Pearl Harbor survivor during his interview today on AWF Union Podcast. 

Retired Americans showed up to vote and helped swing the election in favor of President-elect Joe Biden. The Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta discussed the senior vote, vaccine news and more on today’s edition of the podcast. 

Wilfred Chan (The Nation) / Pat Gallagher (North Coast Area Labor Federation, USW)

Wilfred Chan, contributing writer for The Nation, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the passage of Proposition 22 in California will hurt gig workers, such as Uber and Lyft drivers.

Pat Gallagher of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and the United Steelworkers was the second guest on today’s show. He spoke about the future of labor under the Biden administration and the impressive amount of union votes for Biden.

Lou Antonellis (IBEW Local 103) / Dan Drost and Laurie Glicker (AFGE Local 3283)

Encore Boston Harbor workers voted overwhelmingly for IBEW Local 103 representation in the workplace. IBEW Local 103 Business Manager Lou Antonellis spoke about this great victory, how local 103 is the fastest growing local in New England and what a pro-worker Biden administration will look like.

Dan Drost, Legislative Steward, and Laurie Glicker, Executive VP of AFGE Local 3283 spoke with AWF Union Podcast about the need for the Biden administration to overturn executive orders that President Trump put in place during the pandemic because they are hurting unions and prevent them from going about their daily business. They also discussed worker safety during the pandemic.

Melissa Cropper (Ohio Federation of Teachers) / Zach Schiller (Policy Matters Ohio)

Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper was one of two featured guests today on America’s Work Force Union Podcast. She covered topics such as the current state of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden transition team, changes in the Department of Education and making public schools a high quality choice again. 

Zach Schiller, Research Director with Policy Matters Ohio wrapped up today’s edition of AWF Union Podcast. He spoke with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about the election results and changes in policies that will affect Ohioans. 

Phil Smith (United Mine Workers of America) / Andrew Tinkham (Ohio Consumers Counsel)

United Mine Workers of America Director of Government Affairs Phil Smith was a featured guest on the Nov. 16 edition of America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He spoke about carbon capture and storage, the Remington Arms Factory moving to Alabama and the old Remington owners terminating all but 22 of the original 600 employees at the plant and not giving them the severance pay they were owed according to their collective bargaining agreement.

Andrew Tinkham with the Office of the Ohio Consumers Counsel also joined AWF Union Podcast today to speak with host Ed “Flash” Ferenc. He discussed Ohio House Bill 772 and how if it was passed it would repeal and replace the controversial Ohio House Bill 6, and how consumers can prepare their homes for the winter with some energy saving tips.

Tim Coleman (UA Local 669) /Joyce Goldstein (Goldstein Gragel, LLC) / Jim Cullen (Progressive Populist)

United Association (UA) Local 669 Recruitment and Outreach Specialist Tim Coleman spoke with America’s Work Force Union Podcast today about recruitment efforts targeted at veterans, the United Association registered apprenticeship program and recruiting more people into Local 669.

Joyce Goldstein with Goldstein Gragel, LLC addressed the members of the National Labor Relations Board and their anti-union background. She continued by telling host Ed “Flash” Ferenc about what the NLRB under a Biden Administration would look like and how it could be beneficial for workers.

Progressive Populist Editor Jim Cullen offered a breakdown of the details of the election and what President-elect Joe Biden will have to do to get America back on track after the Trump Administration. 

Josh Nassar (United Auto Workers) / Mike Hazard (UA VIP REPLAY)

United Auto Workers Legislative Director Josh Nassar joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential of the Biden administration being the most labor friendly administration in decades, the National Labor Relations Board members having an anti-union background and strengthening Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

Mike Hazard’s appearance today on AWF Union Podcast was a replay from the Monday, Nov. 9 edition of the podcast. He spoke about his history with the United Association Veterans in Piping Program, how registered apprenticeship programs stand out compared to other programs and how the UA VIP Program prepares active-duty transitioning military service members for careers in the UA.

 

Will Attig (Union Veterans Council) / Greg Revard (HFIAW) / Jennet Conant (Author)

Union Veterans Council Executive Director Will Attig joined AWF Union Podcast on Veterans Day to explain how he got involved with the building trades, why union membership can help veterans have a smoother transition into a civilian career and more.

International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers General President Greg Revard gave an explanation of how his career as an insulator got started after transitioning out of the Navy, what the building trades are doing to help veterans find meaningful careers and what the Insulators Union is doing to reach out to veterans.

Finally, author Jennet Conant discussed a great tragedy that led to ground breaking medical developments. She explained how chemotherapy was discovered after soldiers inhaled mustard gas, depressing their white blood cell levels.