America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director, AFL-CIO | Roy Liggett, Contractor and Retired Pilot, Teamsters Airline Division and Aviation Operation Solutions

Government Affairs Director for the AFL-CIO, Bill Samuel, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the government shutdown and its potential impact on the U.S. economy. Samuel started his discussion by remembering the late United Steelworkers President, Tom Conway.

A retired pilot and contractor for the Teamsters Airline Division, Roy Liggett, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work his company, Aviation Operations Solutions, does to assist in the mental health and well-being of members of the Teamsters Airline Division.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director, Heat and Frost Insulators LMCT | Daniel Graff, Director, Higgins Labor Program of the Center for Social Concerns

Executive Director for the Heat and Frost Insulators Labor Management Cooperation Trust, Pete Ielmini, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act. Ielmini also talked about the ways the LMCT is educating Congress and the work they are doing to bring mental health and suicide prevention awareness and assistance to members of the Insulators Union.

Director of the Higgins Labor Program of the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame, Daniel Graff, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the program. Graff also discussed the comparison between UAW President Shawn Fain and former UAW leader Walter Reuther and the true importance of President Joe Biden joining the UAW picket line.

Doreen Greenwald, National President, NTEU | Tom Buffenbarger, Independent Labor Voice

Newly elected National President for the National Treasury Employees Union, Doreen Greenwald, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about her newly elected role and some of the tasks that come with it. Greenwald also talked about the IRS and what a shutdown would look like for thousands of employees.

Independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the United Autoworkers negotiations with the Big Three Automakers in Detroit. Buffenbarger also discussed the potential government shutdown, and also shared his memories of the Steelworkers Tom Conway following his tragic passing.

Dominique Hamilton, Chief Nurse Rep and ICU Nurse, NNU | Greg Regan, President, TTD

Chief Nurse Representative and ICU Nurse at National Nurses United (NNU), Dominique Hamilton, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ratification of a new contract with St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Hospitals in Tucson, Ariz.

President of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD), Greg Regan, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about a recently introduced bill that will help improve the safety of the railroad industry. Regan discussed what needs to change to be considered an improvement and how the industry is helping workers report issues before they become a problem.

Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, Adam Keller | President of United Steelworkers Local 2599, Jerry Green

Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, Adam Keller, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about their live, in-person event, Labor Talk Live. Keller also talked about the information and calls they’ve received from UAW members involved in the strikes and a new segment and newsletter known as Last Week in Southern Labor. 

President of United Steelworkers Local 2599, Jerry Green, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his time with the Steelworkers. Green also gave advice to the younger generation of workers and what he believes is the future of Local 2599.

Arnold Scott, President, AFGE District 6 | Pat Gallagher, President, North Coast Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO

President of District 6 of the American Federation of Government Employees, Arnold Scott, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a possible government shutdown at the end of September. Scott discussed the shutdown costs and the AFGE’s plan to get federal workers help. 

President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and recently retired Sub-District Director for USW District 1, Pat Gallagher, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the indefinite shutdown of several Republic Steel facilities. Gallagher also discussed the announcement that US Steel is searching for a potential buyer and the redistricting conversations in Ohio’s Congress.

Lyn Montgomery, President, TWU Local 556 | Alexandra Jacobi, Director of MAP, Bricklayers Union

Lyn Montgomery, President of the Transport Workers Union of America Local 556, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their ongoing fight for a new contract and the protest being held outside of the Southwest Airlines “Spirit Party” in Denver. Montgomery also talked about the impact the negotiations have had on flight attendants and the perception the public has of working as a Southwest Airlines flight attendant. 

As part of our coverage for National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast was joined by the Director of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Membership Assistance Program (MAP), Alexandra Jacobi. Jacboi discussed the different approach the MAP uses to help members, the stigma in the construction industry around mental health conversations and how it impacts progress.

President, Ohio Federation of Teachers, Melissa Cropper | General President, IUPAT, Jimmy Williams Jr.

Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the AFT Organizing Committee meeting. She also spoke about successful organizing campaigns in Ohio over the past two years and about grants received by several Locals in the state.

Continuing our efforts to raise awareness during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month,  the General President of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Jimmy Williams Jr., joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their Employee Awareness Program (EAP), the Helping Hands Program.

Henry Howard, Deputy Director of Media and Communications, American Legion | Tom Vitiello, Leslie Russell and Mark Staniul Teamsters Cares

Continuing our efforts to provide education during Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Henry Howard, the Deputy Director for Media and Communication with the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Be The One program. Howard discussed the high suicide rate among veterans and the different help available to veterans.

As our coverage of Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month continues, America’s Work Force Union Podcast was joined by three leaders from the Teamsters Care program, Tom Vitiello, Leslie Russell and Mark Staniul. The trio discussed the program's work, and Vitiello shared his own journey and experience in the program. 

Jeff Stoffer, Director Media & Communications Division, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Executive Director, Alliance for Retired Americans

In honor of our continued efforts to provide awareness during National Suicide Prevention Week, Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion’s Media & Communications Division, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Be The One Program and their efforts to provide mental health resources to veterans. Stoffer also talked about Operation Heal*arious and the new healthcare track established by the Task Force Movement.

Executive Director for the Alliance for Retired Americans, Rich Fiesta, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the fight for Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, the impact on retirees and the need for Social Security expansion.