America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Brian Baker, Retired IBEW Policy Director | Elaine Rishovd, Chief Steward, Teamsters Local 120

Retired International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers National Political Director Brian Baker, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his time with the Union from Business Manager at IBEW Local 129 to the Policy Office at the International Office in Washington D.C.

Chief Steward for Teamsters Local 120, Elaine Rishovd, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the six-year contract negotiation with Sun Country Airlines. Rishovd discussed their timeline of events and what the contract that expired in 2018 has done to the workforce.

Jacqueline Simon, Policy Director, AFGE | Dave Wondolowski, Executive Secretary and Business Manager, Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council

Policy Director for the American Federation of Government Employees, Jacqueline Simon, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the latest deadline for spending resolutions that need to be passed by Congress to avoid a government shut down and what that means for AFGE members. She also discussed the Federal Fiscal Commission and why implementing the commission would be a mistake.

Executive Secretary and Business Manager for the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Dave Wondolowski joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Cleveland Port Authority’s decision to overturn Prevailing Wage requirements and the impact that will have on workers in the community. Wondolowski also talked about Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su’s recent visit to Cleveland to announce the final rule to President Joe Biden’s Executive Order requiring Project Labor Agreements.

Melissa Cropper, President, OFT | U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17th District)

President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, Melissa Cropper, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about a lack of awareness from Ohio politicians, continuing their momentum from 2023 and organizing librarians across America.

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna of the 17th District in California, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about distractions on Capitol Hill. He also spoke about his concerns for union jobs if the US Steel sale is finalized and why it’s important for auto plants in the South to remain neutral during organizing campaigns.

Terry Melvin, President, CBTU | Zach Horn, pro-labor artist

In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), Terry Melvin, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the history of the CBTU and the impact of Dr. King’s teachings. Melvin discussed the labor movement's responsibility to educate the public on the presidential election and motivate them to vote. Finally, Melvin discussed the upcoming 53rd International Convention for Black Trade Unionists. 

Pro-labor artist, Zach Horn, continued our MLK Day coverage on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Horn discussed his art exhibit “The Arc of the Moral Universe,” featuring quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on display at Teamsters Local 25’s union hall. He also talked about his grandmother’s work in the labor movement and his two upcoming worker-focused exhibitions.

Manny Pastreich, President, SEIU 32BJ | Joyce Goldstein, Labor Lawyer

President of the Service Employees International Union Local 32BJ, Manny Pastreich, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his career with the SEIU. Pastreich also discussed the new contracts for commercial cleaners and the joint fight with the Machinists to organize Uber and Lyft drivers.

Longtime Labor Lawyer Joyce Goldstein, from Joyce Goldstein and Associates, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Cemex Decision made by the National Labor Relations Board and its impact on organizing.

Kevan Brown, Business Manager/Financial Secretary, IBEW Local 246 | Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

Newly elected Business Manager and Financial Secretary for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 246, Kevan Brown, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his journey with the Local and the increasing number of work opportunities coming to the area.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about a letter written by 33 U.S. Senators to non-union auto plants following the United Autoworkers organizing announcement to target these plants. Brown also discussed the importance of the trades and union efforts to increase diversity within them.

David Cann, Director of Membership and Organization Department, AFGE | Dan Poteet, Business Manager, Insulators Local 50

Director of the Membership and Organization Department of the American Federation of Government Employees, David Cann, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union’s best year for member growth in over a decade. Cann also talked about educating members to prevent anti-union attacks and what the plan is to continue last years organizing success.

Business Manager for Insulators Local 50 in Central Ohio, Dan Poteet, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his union needs for new members to handle the construction boom in the Columbus area. Poteet also discussed Local 50’s current efforts and how providing for members during upcoming contract negotiations will improve the organizing efforts.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director, CWA District 4 | Tim Driscoll, President, Bricklayers

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communication Workers of America, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss workers unionizing at Wells Fargo. Mathews also talked about how employers could improve their work environments instead of wasting money on anti-union campaigns and proposed bills in Michigan and Indiana to eliminate tax breaks for outsourcing call center jobs.

President of the International Association of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts, Tim Driscoll, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the Union plans to take advantage of last year’s organizing momentum. Driscoll also talked about the final rule for the President’s Executive Order ensuring Project Labor Agreements on certain federally funded projects and modernizing Davis-Bacon.

Adam Keller, Political Coordinator, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 900 | David Spero, National President, Professional Aviation Safety, AFL-CIO

Adam Keller, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 900 Political Coordinator, joined the America’s Workforce Union Podcast and discussed recent IATSE organizing victories, the Alabama Arise organization and Alabama companies taking advantage of free prison labor.

The National President of Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), David Spero, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the contracts his union is fighting to obtain, as well as the need for the Federal Aviation Administration to change its rule-making policies related to mental health.

Dorsey Hagar, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council | Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO

Dorsey Hager, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and provided an update on the Intel megaproject and shared his thoughts on a potential Community Benefits Agreement to build a new terminal at John Glenn International Airport.

Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed the AFL-CIO’s partnership with Microsoft and the organization’s upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day Conference.