America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Lisa Takeuchi Cullen, Vice President, Writers Guild of America East | Len DiCosimo, Executive Secretary, North Shore AFL-CIO

It’s day 2 of the “Best of 2023” coverage on America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Today’s highlighted interview featured then-vice president, now president, of the Writers Guild of America East, Lisa Takeuchi Cullen. She spoke about the WGA strike, which was then in its third month. Takeuchi Cullen explained her journey into the industry and how she found herself as a scriptwriter by accident. Finally, she discussed what a fair, modern contract win involving artificial intelligence would look like and the impact it could have on the entertainment industry.

The Executive Secretary of the North Shore AFL-CIO and president of the American Federation of Musicians Local 4 in Cleveland, Len DiCosimo, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to recap the year for Local 4, the new standard set by the contract with the Cleveland Orchestra and Ohio AFL-CIO’s regional labor federations efforts to get a new redistricting proposal on the ballot in 2024.

Tim Ryan, Former Ohio State Senator | Marisa Powell, Organizer and Lawyer, Doctors Council SEIU

As the kick-off to America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s “Best of 2023” coverage, we are replaying one of our popular episodes from the year. Former Ohio State Senator and founder of the We The People Action Fund, Tim Ryan, anchors the first part of the show. During his interview, Ryan discussed the origins and purpose of the political organization. Ryan also talked about voters growing discontent with the political system and how his new PAC is trying to improve public opinion on American politics.

The second guest who originally appeared on November 6, attorney and organizer for the Doctors Council SEIU, Marisa Powell, continued America’s Work Force Union Podcast “Best of 2023” coverage. In her interview, Powell discussed the organizing success of doctors in the Allina Healthcare System throughout Minnesota.

Melissa Cropper, President, Ohio Federation of Teachers | John Russo, Visiting scholar, Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the organizing wins at CCAD and the Pickerington Public Library. Cropper also talked about OFT’s efforts to organize other libraries in the state and the difficulty of winning a first contract in the private sector.

A visiting scholar at the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University, John Russo, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss contributing factors to the banner year for labor. He also discussed the impact of United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain and what the record contracts earned in 2023 could do for future negotiations.

Jon Schleuss, President, NewsGuild-CWA | Erik Skoog, President, Teamsters Local 320

The NewsGuild-CWA President, Jon Schleuss, returned to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide an update on the strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Schleuss also discussed the busiest year for collective actions in the union’s history and how bargaining units like the Washington Post have utilized one and two-day strikes to their advantage in negotiations.

President of Teamsters Local 320, Erik Skoog, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the unanimously ratified contract between the city of Mound, Minn. and its Public Works members. Skoog also discussed his journey to becoming president of Local 320.

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communication, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Executive Director, Alliance for Retired Americans

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work done by accredited Service Officers and potential scams veterans could encounter. Stoffer also previewed an article in the January edition of the Legion Magazine. 

Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director, Rich Fiesta, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the proposed fiscal commission to reduce national debt, why the Social Security program should be left out of proposals and the news around march-in rights on the prescription drug industry.

Maximillian Alvarez, Editor-in-Chief/Host, The Real News Network/Working People Podcast | Matt Biggs, President, IFPTE

Editor-in-Chief of The Real News Network and host of the Working People Podcast, Maximillian Alvarez, returned to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his labor journey since his previous appearance. Alvarez also discussed the upcoming fundraiser his podcast will host for East Palestine, Ohio, residents impacted by the Norfolk Southern train derailment in early 2023.

Matt Biggs, International President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Union’s part in the banner year for the labor movement. Biggs also discussed spending bills in Congress and his part in a U.S. Senate hearing for artificial intelligence’s impact on National Defense and Homeland Security.

President, Texas AFT, Zeph Capo | Greg Leroy, Founder, Good Jobs First

Zeph Capo, President of the Texas American Federation of Teachers joined the America’s Workforce Union Podcast and discussed the Strive to Thrive Project, which found poor working conditions in the Texas public school systems. He also recapped the year that was for the Texas AFT in 2023 and looked ahead to 2024.

Good Jobs First Executive Director Greg Leroy appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about how government tax subsidies often lead to the creation of low-quality jobs instead of good-paying union jobs. He also shed light on why datacenters do not benefit communities like people may think.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director, CWA District 4 | Tony Cardwell, President, BMWED-IBT

Administrative Director for the Communication Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the neutrality agreement between Microsoft and the CWA. Mathews also discussed the work CWA has done with AI integrations in the workforce and the progress of the BEAD program.

Tony Cardwell, president of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the fight for paid sick leave in 2023. Cardwell also discussed the layoffs at Union Pacific and the joint funding efforts for high-speed rail projects.

General President, LIUNA, Brent Booker | Jacob Morrison, Co-Host, The Valley Labor Report

It's been eight months leading LIUNA for General President Brent Booker, and he joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what 2023 has been like for him and the Union. Booker also discussed how LIUNA is ensuring workers stay working and what’s in store ni 2024 for the Union.

Jacob Morrison, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the unprecedented growth his podcast has experienced in 2023. Morrison also discussed the impact the United Autoworkers organizing efforts have had on the South and his new position as President of the North Alabama Labor Council.

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown | Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the proposed Amtrak expansion in Ohio. Brown also discussed his work to maintain steel industry jobs in the United States.

Labor Lawyer Andrew Strom joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the decisions of the National Labor Relations Board in 2023 and how different interpretations of the National Labor Relations Act led to problems with the U.S. Supreme Court and the Board.