America’s Work Force Union Podcast

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

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the December edition of the American Legion Magazine.

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential impact the Presidential Election could have on retirees.

Kelli Price, SEIU 1199NE | Kelly Yeaney and Jeff Hasty, AFSCME DPSU Local 101

Kelli Price, Registered Nurse (RN) at Women & Infants Hospital and member of Service Employees Internation Union (SEIU) 1199 New England, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) union staff has already faced from management. She also discussed how these led to an informational picket earlier this week that included more than 1,000 staff at the Rhode Island hospital.

Kelly Yeaney, President, and Jeff Hasty, Vice President nominee, from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Dayton Public Service Union (AFSCME DPSU) Local 101, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Local and the unique challenges during contract negotiations with Montgomery County in Ohio.

Jacob Morrison, TVLR | Dr. David Zonderman, NC State University

Jacob Morrison, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his conversations with building trades unions and government workers about the potential impacts the presidential election results could have on future work projects in Alabama. Morrison also discussed the lessons that unions could learn by examining Alabama’s labor history.

Dr. David Zonderman, Professor of History at North Carolina State University (NC State), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the path forward for the labor movement after many working people felt the political parties were not listening to their concerns.

Alissa Reynolds, IW Local 63 | Martin Helms, Helmets to Hardhats

Alissa Reynolds, a journey-level Ironworker with Iron Workers Local 63, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Veterans Day to discuss her experience as an enlisted soldier with the U.S. Navy and what led her to join the trades. She also talked about the assistance provided by Helmets to Hardhats during the transition and how young veterans can find a home and career in the trades.

Martin Helms, Executive Director of Helmets to Hardhats, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Veterans Day to discuss his military service and eventual transition to the trades. Helms also discussed Helmets to Hardhats and how the organization helps connect outgoing, active military members with civilian careers in the building trades.

Dian Palmer, SEIU Local 73 | Eric Brandon, Anthem

Dian Palmer, President of the Service Employees International Union Local 73, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how her union member husband helped guide her to a career with SEIU. Palmer also talked about the contract issues with the city of Chicago and the difficult negotiations workers at the University of Illinois went through to earn their new contract.

Eric Brandon, Strategic Account Executive Labor and Trust for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his union upbringing and how it helped guide him to the Labor and Trust division of Anthem. He also discussed how Anthem can help Taft Hartley Funds save union members money in healthcare costs.

Dave Megenhardt, United Labor Agency | Greg Regan, TTD

Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 2024 Year-end Report from the ULA and the annual Unsung Heroes of the Labor Movement Dinner.

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss funding announcements at the state and federal level to help modernize and improve port operations across the country.

Karla Hernandez-Mats, UTD | Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO

Karla Hernandez-Mats, President of the United Teachers of Dade, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their overwhelming union certification vote held in October. She also discussed the policy changes that established the need for yearly recertification votes for public unions.

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the issues and races on today’s ballot that could impact labor in Ohio.

David Harris, AFSCME Local 394 | Jared Abbott, Center for Working Class Politics

David Harris, a member of American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 394, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how his life has changed since he began working a union job. He also talked about his experiences during his canvassing efforts in the Philadelphia area.

Jared Abbott, Director of the Center for Working-Class Politics, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the poor messaging he’s seen from political candidates attempting to speak to union members.

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 share updates on Intel and other construction projects in Central Ohio. He also discussed the demand for building unions to provide well-trained members to handle new construction projects.

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their Get Out The Vote (GOTV) efforts leading up to Election Day. He shared some of the concerns from union members about the election and what their vote could mean for the future.

Kevin Cooper, AFGE | Roy Morrison, BMWED

Kevin Cooper, National Political Director for the American Federation of Government Employees, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his career path to the AFGE. He also discussed how government policy has positively impacted organizing over the past few years and how members have reacted to educational opportunities around the election.

Roy Morrison, Safety Director for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) final rule proposal mandating automated track inspection to supplement human track inspections.