America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Jon Schleuss, TNG-CWA | Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer

Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-CWA (TNG-CWA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to review some of their successful labor negotiations in 2024, challenging traditional approaches and inspiring new strategies for worker advocacy.

In this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, Andrew Strom, a New York-based labor lawyer and OnLabor Blog contributor, joined us to discuss how judicial perspectives can impact labor law in America.

Jewelyn Cosgrove, Melwood | Kerry Koontz, Van Wert City Schools

In the fight for fair wages, Jewelyn Cosgrove, Vice President of Government and Public Relations at Melwood, is leading the charge to end the outdated 14C policy. She joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the policy and Melwood’s efforts to restore dignity and economic independence to disabled workers.

Kerry Koontz, a career counselor and coordinator of the Career Education Opportunity (CEO) program at Van Wert City Schools in Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to explain how the program is changing how high school students prepare for their futures.

Bea Thompson, IBEW Local 134| Matt Biggs, IFPTE

Bea Thompson, Business Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to speak about her career trajectory, having earned two degrees, but ultimately finding a home with a Chicago IBEW Local Union.

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Matt Biggs, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers President, who discussed the challenges and strategies unions face in protecting their members in the midst of political change.

Frank Mathews, CWA District 4 | Matt Rothschild

Frank Mathews, the Administrative Director for CWA District 4, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss some of the legislative victories and the new challenges posed by recent political shifts, offering his insights into the resilience and adaptability of unions.

Matt Rothschild, former editor of the Progressive Magazine and former Executive Director of the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a significant legal victory for labor in Wisconsin as a recent ruling declared Wisconsin’s Act 10 unconstitutional. Rothschild provided insights into the long battle against this anti-union legislation and what the future holds for workers in Wisconsin.

Wayne Creasup, Iron Workers Union | Adam Keller, TVLR

Wayne Creasap, Director of Safety and Health for the Iron Workers Union, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and reflected on the progress the union made in health and safety, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in protective gear.

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed back Adam Keller, co-host of The Valley Labor Report (TVLR), who shared insights on the state of labor activism and union growth, particularly in the South. Keller emphasized the importance of amplifying pro-labor messaging and highlighted key victories and challenges faced by the labor movement in 2024.

Dorsey Hager, C/CO BCTC | Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to highlight the work progress in Central Ohio, the region's growth and the challenges faced along the way.

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed back Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, who discussed the challenges and opportunities facing organized labor as the country prepares for a new administration.

Jeremy Brecher, Labor Network for Sustainability | Adriana Lopez Marin, IW Local 63

Jeremy Brecher, co-founder and senior strategic advisor for the Labor Network for Sustainability, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the pressing need for a just transition to a sustainable economy. Brecher highlighted the importance of balancing climate protection with the preservation of good jobs for workers.

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Adriana Lopez Marin, a full-time apprenticeship instructor at Ironworkers Local 63 in Chicago. Marin shared her inspiring journey in the ironworking trade which has included overcoming challenges, becoming a trailblazer and advocating for diversity and mental health awareness within the industry.

Hannah Hill, IUPAT DC 58 | Rob Monak, Iron Workers Union Local 55

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Hannah Hill, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades Local 90 Treasurer, as she discussed her decision to join the union, her desire to become involved in the Local and becoming the first tradeswoman in her District Council to use the IUPAT’s maternity leave policy. 

Director of Workforce Development and Organizing and Vice President for Ironworkers Local 55 in Toledo, Ohio, Rob Monak, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about how he teaches fifth graders important job traits. He also discussed organizing and the work outlook for Local 55 members. 

Debbie Goldman, CWA | Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Debbie Goldman, retired Research Director for the Communication Workers of America (CWA), as she discussed her new book, Disconnected: Call Center Workers Fight for Good Jobs in the Digital Age. Goldman explored the impact of deregulation, technological changes and the CWA's continued efforts to advocate for workers' rights in the telecommunications industry.

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the current political climate in Ohio and the implications for workers' rights. As the state prepares for a new legislative session, Burga emphasized the importance of vigilance in protecting the interests of Ohio's workforce.

Ella Fent, Actors’ Equity, EWOC | Andrew Spar, FEA

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Ella Fent, a member of the Actors’ Equity Association and a server-bartender at Drunk Shakespeare in Chicago, who shared the journey of unionizing the unique theater production.

Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association (FEA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the successful campaigns that have helped unions fight against attacks on public sector unions in Florida.