America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Emil Ramirez, USW | Best of 2024: Jared Cassity, SMART Transportation Division

Emil Ramirez, International Vice President of Administration for the United Steelworkers (USW), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing U.S. Steel takeover by Nippon Steel and his optimism for the future growth of the labor movement. 

Continuing our Best of 2024 series, we flash back to our April 12 conversation with Jared Cassity, Alternate National Legislative Director for the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) Transportation Division. During his appearance on America's Workforce Union Podcast, Cassity shared his experiences and insights on rail safety.

Best of 2024: Mandy Jo Ganieany, IUPAT DC 30 | Robert Ford Jr., USW Local 2L

Continuing our Best of 2024 series, we flash back to June 28 with Mandy Jo Ganieany, the Organizing Director for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 30, who joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her experience as a woman in the trades, why she became an organizer and recruiting more women into the trades.

Next in our Best of 2024 series, we rewind to our June 28 interview with Robert Ford Jr., a member of United Steelworkers Local 2L, who joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to share his journey from personal hardship to community leadership, and how his nonprofit organization is helping the Akron, Ohio community.

Best of 2024: Cecil Roberts, UMWA | Merrilee Logue, NLO

Merry Christmas! America’s Work Force Union Podcast is spending Christmas Day looking back at some of the best episodes of 2024! Join us as we revisit the first interview of 2024 with United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts, who discussed the Warrior Met Strike in Alabama, outdated protective equipment for miners and the dangers of silica dust.

Next up for the America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s Best of 2024 on Christmas Day is the Jan. 29 interview with Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, who discussed the NLO and ensuring the NLO provides the best solutions for all union members.

Best of 2024: Scott Paul, AAM | Nick Prather, Teamsters Local 100

As 2024 winds down, America’s Work Force Union Podcast is looking back on some of the best episodes and guests from the year. Today we look back to the Feb. 9 show where Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing discussed the Bureau of Labor Statistics report on jobs in the manufacturing industry, public funding for the industry and the national trade deficit.

Continuing America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s Best of 2024 series, we look back to the Jan. 29 interview with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 100 Business Agent, Nick Prather. He discussed the first contract earned by DHL workers at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Brent Booker, LIUNA | Greg Regan, TTD

Brent Booker, General President of the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's growth in 2024, new member benefits programs and his outlook for the union in 2025. 

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, recently joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss pressing issues in the transportation sector, including avoiding a government shutdown, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization, bolstering U.S. maritime capabilities and advancing the nation's transportation infrastructure.

UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Institute | Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans

Andrew Pitts and a trio of apprentices from UNITE HERE Chicago Hospitality Institute (UHCHI), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the apprenticeship program and the unique journeys each apprentice faced before finding their way into thriving careers at some of Chicago's top kitchens.

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to shed light on the complexities surrounding the Social Security Fairness Act and its implications for retirees.

Nick Weaver, ABOC | Pat Gallagher, North Coast Area Labor Federation

In an era when many financial institutions prioritize profits over people, one bank stands out for its commitment to the labor movement since its beginning. Nick Weaver, President and Chief Operating Officer of Amalgamated Bank of Chicago (ABOC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the bank's unique position in serving union members and organizations.

President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, Pat Gallagher joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Social Security Fairness Act, his thoughts on President-elect Trump’s proposed policies that could impact the working class and the way labor leaders can build a better future for their members.

Arnold Scott, AFGE | Michael Hiltzik, LA Times

Arnold Scott, National Vice President of District 6 for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss challenges federal workers may face under the new Trump Administration. Scott, shared insights on the union's strategy to protect jobs and services in the face of proposed budget cuts and workforce restructuring.

Pulitzer Prize-winning financial journalist at the Los Angeles Times, Michael Hiltzik, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the future of Social Security and the potential threats to the program that could come during the Trump Administration.

Melissa Cropper, OFT | Rob Handy, Lanphier High School

Rob Handy, a special education teacher at Lanphier High School in Springfield, Ill., joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a special education program utilizing the North American Building Trades Unions’ MC3 program. Handy also shared his journey from aspiring professional baseball player to a special education educator demonstrating the power of vocational training for students with disabilities.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the issues facing Ohio's education system. Cropper also discussed some controversial bills being pushed through during the Ohio Legislature's lame-duck session and their potential impact on schools and communities.

Pete Ielmini, Mechanical Insulators LMCT | Lane Windham, Kalmanovitz Initiative

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), provided an update on the Federal Mechanical Installation Act and highlighted the potential energy savings and safety benefits linked to requiring mechanical insulation audits of federal buildings.

Lane Windham, Associate Director of the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the changing landscape of labor leadership and the importance of empowering women in the movement.