America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Scott Paul, AAM | Michelle Zettergren, MagnaCare

Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast on Black Friday to discuss the 11th edition of the Made in America Holiday Gift Guide, which features a curated list of American-made gift ideas from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Michelle Zettergren, President of Labor and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at MagnaCare, shared some of her 30 years of industry knowledge and spoke about innovative strategies for unions to implement in order to overcome the challenges of rising healthcare costs while managing their expenses.

Tiffany McKee, USW District 1 | Arnold Scott, AFGE District 6

Tiffany McKee, staff representative for District 1 of the United Steelworkers (USW), shared insights into the USW's Next Generation program on this Thanksgiving edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. As members of the Baby Boomer generation continue to retire, this initiative focuses on preparing younger USW members for union leadership roles through education and empowerment.

On this Thanksgiving edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Arnold Scott, National Vice President of American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) District 6 (covering Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio), discussed the potential challenges for federal workers under the incoming presidential administration. As the political landscape shifts, Scott expressed concerns about possible cuts to the federal workforce and the impact on public services.

Pete Ielmini, LMCT | Melissa Cropper, OFT

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss two critical initiatives - promoting energy efficiency through the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act and addressing mental health awareness within the construction industry.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), discussed the potential challenges facing educators with the incoming presidential administration and the importance of innovative educational programs.

Tom Buffenbarger | Jesus Angulo and Coy Seeger, BAC

While National Apprenticeship Week is over, it’s never a bad time for the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to highlight the accomplishments of apprentices preparing for a career in the trades. Today we spotlight two remarkable apprentices from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Coy Seeger from Local 1 Washington/Alaska and Jesus Angulo from Local 3- California.

As Thanksgiving approaches, Tom Buffenbarger, retired General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to reflect on the union moments, recent and past, that are worthy of our thanks.

Frank Mathews, CWA District 4 | Dave Spero, PASS

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communication Workers of America (CWA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide insights on what the CWA is doing to prepare for the future and continue to protect workers' rights.

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed David Spero, President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS). As the aviation industry braces for potential changes under a new federal administration, Spero discussed the pressing issues facing federal employees and the critical role of PASS in maintaining the safety of the national airspace system.

Ray Boyd, UA ITF | Martin Helms, Helmets to Hardhats

On the final day of National Apprenticeship Week on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast we welcomed Ray Boyd, Director of Education and Training for the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA), to the podcast to share insights on the UA’s commitment to education, training and building the union's future.

Wrapping up the National Apprenticeship Week coverage on America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Martin Helms, Executive Director of the Helmets to Hardhats program shared the impact of the program, which has successfully connected more than 50,000 military personnel with a rewarding career in the building trades since its inception in 2003.

Danielle Sunley, UA Local 137 | Lee Worley, Iron Workers Union

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Danielle Sunley, a journeyperson with United Association Local 137 in Springfield, Ill., joined the podcast to share her journey from aspiring baker to a successful career in the trades. She highlighted some of the opportunities and challenges she faced along the way.

Continuing the America’s Work Force Union Podcast coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, we welcomed Lee Worley, Executive Director of Apprenticeship and Training for the Iron Workers Union. Worley, a 37-year veteran of the trade, shared insights into the evolution of the union’s apprenticeship programs and the critical role they play in preparing the next generation of skilled Ironworkers.

Tony DiPerna, IMTEF | Iman Moore and Jason Ehlert

In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Tony DiPerna, National Director of Apprenticeship and Training at the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation (IMTEF). DiPerna discussed the evolving landscape of apprenticeship training and the significant strides made in the diversification and modernization of the masonry trades.

As part of our continued coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast explored a partnership to connect Native American communities with the building trades. Joining the discussion were Jason Ehlert, President of the North Dakota State Building and Construction Trades Council, and Iman Moore, Native American Career and Technical Education Project (NACTEP) Project Director, who shared insights into their collaborative efforts to foster apprenticeship opportunities for Native American populations.

John Stahl, IIIATF | Tom Kriger, NABTU

On the second day of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, we were joined by John Stahl, the Insulation Industry International Apprentice and Training Fund Administrator (IIIATF). He discussed a partnership with the American School Counselor Association to develop a pipeline between public schools and the trades and the Insulators Union’s Master Apprentice Competition (MAC).

Tom Kriger, Director of Research and Education at North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the educational curriculum administered by Apprenticeship Readiness Programs to prepare individuals for a Registered Apprenticeship Program and a future career in the trades.

Julie Su, U.S. Department of Labor | Eric Hill, SkillsUSA Illinois, and Ricardo Aguilar, ACE

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast kicked off our coverage of National Apprenticeship Week by featuring the Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su, who joined the show to discuss the importance of creating pathways to union jobs through Registered Apprenticeship Programs. Su also explained the difference between being the Labor Secretary Acting Secretary and what she could accomplish in her current role.

Continuing our National Apprenticeship Week coverage, Eric Hill, Executive Director for SkillsUSA Illinois, and Ricardo Aguilar, a student and intern through the Alignment Collaborative for Education (ACE) training program, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the opportunities for high school students to begin workforce training and find a career in the trades after graduation.