America’s Work Force Union Podcast

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

Today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion Media and Communications Division, who discussed the January edition of the American Legion Magazine. He discussed some of the feature stories, like the importance of the United States ratifying the Law of the Sea Convention amid Chinese expansion, the mysterious heroism of the so-called "Rambo of the Ardennes" from World War II and the nationwide preparations for the country's upcoming 250th birthday.

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss increasing poverty rates among older Americans, the challenges facing Social Security and pensions and the urgent concerns surrounding healthcare affordability for seniors.

Pat O’Gorman and Jesus Ramirez, IUOE Local 399 | Davida Russell, NCLF

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, two representatives from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399—Business Agent Pat O'Gorman and Organizer Jesus Ramirez—shared insights into the Local’s efforts to organize in Chicago’s labor landscape. Local 399 represents over 10,000 skilled maintenance employees working across hospitals, hotels, schools and more throughout Illinois and Indiana. The discussion focused on the union’s diverse jurisdiction, educational pathways for the trades, the realities of recruiting young workers and highlights from a major organizing campaign at Advocate Healthcare.

In this edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Davida Russell shared her journey as a union member, a school bus driver and a devoted advocate for the working people in Ohio. Currently the Secretary-Treasurer of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, Russell discussed the challenges she faced during her campaign to be elected mayor of Cleveland Heights, her decision to now run for a state representative seat and her advice for other union members considering political involvement.

Jordan Barab | Frank Manzo, ILEPI

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, former Occupational Safety and Health Administration Deputy Assistant Secretary and health and safety advocate Jordan Barab discussed the critical state of worker safety in America. As the author of the Confined Space newsletter and an expert with decades of experience, Barab offered a detailed perspective on the underfunding of OSHA, the enforcement process of safety laws and the real stories behind workplace fatalities.

Illinois Economic Policy Institute economist Frank Manzo appeared on this edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a study on the state’s pre-apprenticeship programs. Highlighting years of research, Manzo broke down how these initiatives, supported by both federal and state investments, are creating skilled labor pipelines, transforming lives and boosting economic returns in Illinois. His insights shed light on the success of these programs in attracting women and minorities to construction careers, as well as why they’re garnering attention from policymakers and other states.

Tony Johnston, CCCTU Local 1600 | Melissa Cropper, OFT

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we featured Tony Johnston, President of the Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600, which represents nearly 5,000 members across Chicago and its suburbs. As union negotiations loom, Johnston discussed the organization’s priorities, including the challenges members face due to Chicago’s high cost of living and the city’s residency requirements. He also outlined the union's push for fair telework policies and described the potential impacts of artificial intelligence on education jobs. Johnston further highlighted ongoing efforts to create sustainable community college models and build protections for immigrant workers in a complex environment.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss organizing efforts among library workers, recent child labor legislation in Ohio and the union’s endorsement of a gubernatorial candidate.

Carrie Lee Patterson, AEA | Jay Edwards, Former Ohio State Rep.

Today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast spotlights Carrie Lee Patterson, a multifaceted arts professional and proud member of four unions. As an actor, director, writer and dialect coach, Patterson is affiliated with Actors' Equity Association, SAG-AFTRA, the American Guild of Musical Artists and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Patterson discussed her career journey, the importance and challenges posed by artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry, her impact as an educator and her advocacy in a historic Illinois public transit campaign that united 30 different unions.

America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Jay Edwards, Republican candidate for Ohio State Treasurer, who discussed his background and steadfast support for labor. As a former Ohio House representative hailing from Nelsonville, Ohio, Edwards has made a name for himself by defying party stereotypes and championing union issues. Edwards discussed his upbringing in southeast Ohio, his personal connection to the working class, his approach to labor relations and his vision for the office of the state Treasurer.

Anna-Marta Visky, CWA District 1 | Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Anna-Marta Visky, NJ Political and Field Director for District 1 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the podcast to discuss the pressing issue of healthcare affordability for public employees in New Jersey. 

Andrew Strom, labor lawyer and adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to warn listeners about the looming threats to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Strom’s conversation centered on the ripple effects of the Supreme Court’s consideration of Trump v. Slaughter. This case could significantly increase presidential control over independent agencies such as the NLRB.

Charlotte Brody, BlueGreen Alliance | Will Lindsay, BMWED

Charlotte Brody, Vice President of Occupational and Environmental Health at the BlueGreen Alliance, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the importance of workplace health regulations, challenges from the Trump Administration to these protections and the crucial role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) general duty clause.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we were joined by Will Lindsay, Local Chair in Illinois with the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWED), a division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Lindsay’s story is one of resilience and transformation, having started his career in carpentry, then finding his way into music and bartending before forging a path as a union railroad worker and community advocate.

Adam Keller, The Valley Labor Report | Hannah Halbert, Policy Matters Ohio

Adam Keller, co-host of The Valley Labor Report and a leader in Alabama’s labor movement, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed what he described as troubling labor practices connected to an automotive supply chain facility in Alabama.

Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the successful fight against Ohio Senate Bill 50 and to share her organization’s ongoing mission to support working families. 

Frank Mathews, CWA District 4 | Dave Wondolowski, Cleveland BCTC

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide his thoughts on skyrocketing health care costs, the dangerous implications of the “One Touch Make Ready” (OTMR) utility pole policy and the ongoing need to protect worker safety in the face of deregulation.

On today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Dave Wondolowski, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, offered insights on two major projects set to energize greater Cleveland. As the region eyes a wave of construction at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and a new Browns stadium, Wondolowski discussed what these developments mean for union labor and the community. He also shed light on ongoing workforce recruitment and the much-debated future of Cleveland’s lakefront property.

Sylvia Allegretto, CEPR | Bob Funk, LaborLab

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Sylvia Allegretto, Senior Economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR), offered a comprehensive look into lagging teacher compensation, or as she called it, a “teacher pay penalty” in the United States. Allegretto, who has spent over two decades researching labor economics and teacher pay, highlights the “teacher pay penalty” — the wage gap between public school teachers and other college graduates, and how it has grown since the 1960s.

In today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Bob Funk, Founder of LaborLab, joined to discuss the current landscape of union busting in America. LaborLab is a non-profit watchdog organization that tracks and investigates corporate spending on union-busting activities. During the conversation, Funk touched on statistics regarding the money spent to stop union campaigns, the influence of large corporations like Amazon and Starbucks and the role his organization plays in combating these anti-union tactics.