America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Bryce Covert (The Nation) / Pat Gallagher (USW)

Bryce Covert of the Nation Magazine and the New York Times was the first guest today on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast. She spoke about sexual assault charges pressed against former CEO of McDonald’s and the poor handling of the situation by the corporation. 

The second featured guest on AWF Radio Podcast was President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and District 1 director of the United Steelworkers, Pat Gallagher. He spoke about Labor Day rallies and worker engagement.

Bill Wetmore (AFGE) / Katie Parker (NPEU)

AFGE National V.A. Council #53 Executive Vice President, Bill Wetmore came on America's Work Force Radio Podcast on Aug. 19 to discuss racism at the V.A. He touched on everything from how racism affects employees, to how it affects veterans.

The second guest on today's episode was Katie Parker. She is the vice president of organizing for the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union.

Melissa Cropper (Ohio Federation of Teachers) / Sean Egan (MIOSHA)

Today on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast, Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers spoke about protection plans for teachers and students as schools reopen, as well as different issues that different schools will face.

Sean Egan, director of COVID-19 workplace safety in the state of Michigan spoke with AWF Radio Podcast about his appointment to the position, MIOSHA, the General Duty Clause and keeping workers protected as they work through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rep. Tom Patton (Ohio House of Representatives) / Edan Alva (Gig Workers Rising)

Ohio House Representative Tom Patton was the first featured guest on today’s episode of America’s Work Force Radio Podcast. Rep. Patton spoke about updates and changes on Ohio House Bill 6 as well as Ohio House Bill 308, which allows peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical workers with PTSD due to employment to be eligible for compensation and benefits regardless if they already suffer from an accompanying physical injury or not.

Edan Alva, driver-leader and organizer with Gig Workers Rising discussed the organization’s push to end the misclassification of ride-share drivers and get them the protections and benefits they deserve.

Jim Cullen (Progressive Populist) / Joyce Goldstein (Goldstein Gragel LLC)

The first featured guest on the Aug. 14 episode of America’s Work Force Radio Podcast was Jimmy Cullen, editor of the Progressive Populist. Cullen discussed how desperation breeds fascism, Biden leading in polls over President Trump and the President’s COVID relief con.

Joyce Goldstein of Goldstein Gragel LLC was the second featured guest on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast. She spoke about the National Labor Relations Board, employee privacy, and anti-labor actions.

Caitlin Johnson (Policy Matters Ohio) / Desiree Hoffman (United Auto Workers)

The first featured guest on the Aug. 13 edition of America’s Work Force Radio Podcast was Caitlin Johnson of Policy Matters Ohio. In her time she discussed Reimagine Appalachia, a coalition calling on federal policy makers to ensure state funding packages that are equally beneficial for all.

Desiree Hoffman, International Representative for the United Auto Workers was the second featured guest on the episode. Hoffman spoke about the differences between the HEROES Act and the HEALS Act.

Jake Tonkel (San Jose City Council) / Tom Germuska, Jr. (The Labor Citizen)

San Jose City Council candidate Jake Tonkel spoke about the power of labor and green values in local government on the Aug. 12 episode of America’s Work Force Radio Podcast. He discussed the need for a Green New Deal, protecting workers and staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The second featured guest on AWF Radio Podcast was Tom Germuska, Jr., editor of The Labor Citizen. He discussed some of the featured stories in the upcoming edition of the publication. 

Frank Mathews (Communication Workers of America) / Dave Wondolowski (Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council)

Today on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast, administrative director for the Communication Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews spoke about President Trump promising to end the payroll tax if reelected, the HEROES Act compared to the HEALS Act, the United States Postal Service and game workers strike.

The second featured guest on the show was Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski, who spoke about construction workers finishing jobs on time and under budget during a pandemic, shipping issues and enforcing worker safety standards during a pandemic in absence of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. 

Andrew Tinkham (OCC) / Ryan Zamarripa (Center for American Progress Action Fund)

The first featured guest on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast today was Andrew Tinkham, Senior Outreach and Education Program Specialist with the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC). He spoke about a possible Ohio H.B. 6 repeal, emergency utility filings and energy shut-off scams.

The second guest today on AWF Radio Podcast was Ryan Zamarripa, Associate Director of Economic Policy with the Center for American Progress Action Fund. He spoke about the organization’s new memo, “Trump to Tout Manufacturing in Ohio as Unemployment Surges to 10.9% Since February,” which reevaluates claims that the President made during his campaign trail and how he is responsible for countless broken promises.

Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio Building Trades) / Angelina Drake (PHI)

The first featured guest on the August 7 show was Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager. He discussed the value of Scabby the Rat, pre-apprenticeship programs and the need for infrastructure improvements.

The second guest was Angelina Drake, chief operating officer with PHI. She informed listeners about PHI’s latest Caring for the Future report “Direct Care is Real Work: Elevating the Role of the Direct Care Worker.”