America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Eric Blanc, EWOC | Mandy Jo Ganieany, Painters DC 30

Eric Blanc, Assistant Professor of Labor Studies at Rutgers University and organizer with the Emergency Workplace Organizing Committee (EWOC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his new book "We Are the Union: How Worker-to-Worker Organizing is Revitalizing Labor and Winning Big." 

Mandy Jo Ganieany, Director of Organizing for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 30, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her role in advancing women in construction, tackling labor shortages and the importance of union organizing.

Roushaunda Williams, UNITE HERE Local 1 | Dave Megenhardt, United Labor Agency

Roushaunda Williams, labor steward for UNITE HERE Local 1 in Chicago and a vice president on the Illinois AFL-CIO Executive Board, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast as part of our Women’s History Month coverage to discuss her journey from social work to union leadership, her efforts to combat sexual harassment in the hospitality industry and the impact of organized labor on workers' rights.

Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss workforce development in Northeast Ohio, the potential impact of federal funding cuts and the challenges of transitioning workers into tech-driven jobs.

Emily Twarog, LEP Illinois | Jason Walsh, BlueGreen Alliance

Emily Twarog, Associate Professor of History and Labor Studies at the University of Illinois School of Labor and Employment Relations, Labor Education Program (LEP), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss women's leadership in labor unions and her research on sexual harassment in the workplace.

Jason Walsh, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss ongoing threats to the federal workforce, the future of the Inflation Reduction Act and the potential impact legislative decisions could have on the CHIPS and Science Act.

Jennifer Frank, Insulators Local 17 | Darlene Glass, Cleveland Builds

Jennifer Frank, journeyman insulator and part-time instructor from the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 17 in the Chicagoland area, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey in the construction industry as a third-generation tradesman, the challenges she faced entering a male-dominated field and her role in training the next generation of Insulators.

Darlene Glass, Director of Training and Programming at Cleveland Builds, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her transition from healthcare to construction, Cleveland Builds’ efforts to diversify the workforce and the importance of pre-apprenticeship programs in opening doors for women and minorities in the trades.

Deborah Chunn, Roofers Union | Kevin Mapp, USW

Deborah Chunn, Market Development Representative for the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey in the roofing industry, overcoming challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field, her efforts to recruit diverse workers and her role in promoting union membership.

Kevin Mapp, Vice President of Human Affairs at the United Steelworkers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his upbringing in a union family, his role in promoting diversity in the union and his responsibilities overseeing Local 8888 at the Newport News shipyard.

Dr. Jayne Morgan, Hello Heart | Dian Palmer, SEIU Local 73

Dr. Jayne Morgan, Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss cardiovascular health, digital health solutions and the importance of preventive care for union members. 

Dian Palmer, President of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing public-sector workers, the role of unions in advocating for their members and the impact of recent political actions on workers’ rights.

Pete Ielmini, Mechanical Insulators LMCT | Reagan Chaney, Melwood

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss key legislative efforts, the importance of bipartisan support and the ongoing need for education in the Mechanical Insulation industry.

Reagan Chaney, Director of Community Impact at Melwood, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization's mission of employing people with disabilities, the role of direct support professionals and the importance of workplace accommodations.

Corliss King, TWU Local 556 | Tom Buffenbarger

Corliss King, a member of Transport Workers Union of America Local 556 and Illinois State AFL-CIO board member, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey as an "accidental lobbyist," her efforts to change labor laws for flight attendants and her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the aviation industry.

Tom Buffenbarger, former International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share his insights on So-Called “Right to Work” legislation and the impact of Defense Department cuts on workers.

Fedrick Ingram, AFT | Greg Regan, TTD AFL-CIO

Fedrick Ingram, Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the AFT's role in civil rights, challenges in public education and the importance of organizing.

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), joined the America's Workforce Union Podcast to discuss the need for improved rail safety measures, the potential impact of deregulation under Project 2025 and the importance of congressional action to protect federal workers.

Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications at the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their upcoming legislative conference, concerns over VA cuts and the organization's March magazine edition.

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what he believes is unauthorized access to Social Security data, proposed budget cuts on Medicaid and the potential impact of these actions.