America’s Work Force Union Podcast

David Green, UAW Region 2B

Dave Green, Director of UAW Region 2B, shared insights on the United Auto Workers' recent contract negotiations and strikes on this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He highlighted the union's aggressive tactics in 2024, including the use of live updates from UAW President Sean Fain, and discussed the impact of these strategies on company actions, particularly at Stellantis. Green emphasized the importance of strong representation and the ongoing fight for workers' rights, while also addressing the challenges posed by the transition to electric vehicles and the need to secure union jobs in this evolving market.

This episode with Green also covered the diversity of industries now represented by the UAW, which now includes healthcare, aerospace and law enforcement. He discussed the union's organizing efforts, especially in the Southern U.S. and the challenges faced in non-union auto plants. Green underscored the significance of union protections in "at-will" employment states and the phenomenon of non-union plants offering raises in response to UAW contract gains, which he referred to as the "UAW bump."

Sue Martin, Nebraska AFL-CIO | Jonathan Light, Teamsters Local 8

Sue Martin, President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her path to her current role, the challenges faced by workers in Nebraska and the successful efforts to raise the minimum wage through citizen-led initiatives.

Jonathan Light, President and Business Agent of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 8, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to share insights into the contract negotiations between Penn State University and Local 8 members.

Alicia Boreman, ULA | Jacob Morrison, TVLR

As the new year begins, many Americans grapple with mental health challenges exacerbated by holiday stress, unfulfilled resolutions and ongoing societal pressures. To address these concerns, America's Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Alicia Boreman, Clinical Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA) Counseling Center, to discuss the critical importance of mental health support in the workplace and beyond.

Jacob Morrison, President of the North Alabama Area Labor Council and co-host of The Valley Labor Report, joined the America's Workforce Union Podcast to shed light on pressing labor issues facing the state.

Jason Perlman, Ohio AFL-CIO | Kenny Smigle, IW Local 549

Jason Perlman, Political Director for the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the current state of labor in Ohio and the challenges that lie ahead for labor in 2025.

Kenny Smigle, Business Agent for Iron Workers Local 549, joined America’s Workforce Union Podcast to discuss the industry's thriving opportunities and challenges. Based in Wheeling, W.Va., Local 549 is at the forefront of several major infrastructure projects, offering many a pathway to the middle class.

Buddy Malone, PMBTC | Greg LeRoy, Good Jobs First

Buddy Malone, Business Manager of the Parkersburg-Marietta Building and Construction Trades Council (PMBTC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the region’s workforce development programs and the state of the construction industry along the Ohio and West Virginia border.

Greg LeRoy, founder of Good Jobs First, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share his insights on combating wage theft, corporate misconduct and protecting workers.

Dorsey Hager, C/COBCTC | Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council (C/COBCTC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the region's explosive growth and how the building trades are preparing for the future.

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the labor movement's path forward. Redmond discussed the upcoming 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference and how it sets the stage for the AFL-CIO's plan for the year.

Best of 2024: Michael F. Sabitoni, LIUNA | Alex Roberts, APFA

As part of our Best of 2024 series, we revisit the July 11 interview with Michael F. Sabitoni, General Secretary-Treasurer of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's ambitious organizing efforts and the challenges facing workers in today's economic landscape.

The Best of 2024 series continued with the July 11 interview with Alex Roberts, the Washington, D.C. government affairs representative and contract action ambassador for the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), who joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share insights into the then ongoing contract negotiations with American Airlines.

Best of 2024: Tony Cardwell, BMWED | David Spero, PASS

Happy New Year’s Day! As part of the Best of 2024 series, we revisit the Aug. 1 interview with Tony Cardwell, President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss critical issues facing the rail industry, including safety legislation and the future of high-speed rail in the United States.

As America's Work Force Union Podcast’s Best of 2024 continues this New Year’s Day, we revisit the Aug. 1 interview with David Spero, President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), who shared his insights on the critical role of aviation safety professionals and the challenges they face.

Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Best of 2024: Stephan Davis, IBEW Local 40

The Best of 2024 series continues with the April 29 interview featuring Stephan Davis, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 40. Davis joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the local's rich history, centennial celebration and innovative retirement plans.

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications at the American Legion, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss two stories in the January edition of the American Legion magazine focused on the evolving role of veterans with the National Park Service and the important role of missile defense systems.

Tom Buffenbarger | Best of 2024: Kelli Price, SEIU 1199NE

Tom Buffenbarger, former International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his recent meeting with U.S. Navy leaders in Texas about the need for more machinists and welders.

Continuing our Best of 2024 series, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast will revisit our Nov. 14 interview with Kelli Price, a member of Service Employees International Union Local 1199NE and a Registered Nurse at Women's and Infants Hospital in Providence, R.I. Price shared her firsthand experiences on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals today, and how the members of Local 1199NE are working towards change.