America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Chris Ryan, President, TCG Union CWA Local 1123 | Pat Gallagher, President, North Coast AFL-CIO

President of the TCG Players Union CWA Local 1123, Chris Ryan, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the negotiation efforts by the union and their employer TCG Player. Ryan also talked about their battles with an anti-union law firm and what workers want in their first contract.

Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast following his recent retirement from the United Steelworkers to discuss several regional events. Gallagher discussed the win over State Issue 1, the issues with gerrymandering in Ohio and the U.S. Steel sale.

Colin Barrett, National Representative, AFGE NVAC | Brian Anderson, Legislative Director, AFSCME Council 4

The National Representative for the American Federation of Government Employees National VA Council, Colin Barrett, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the union’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the VA and the six-year journey to earn the contract.

Brian Anderson, Legislative Director for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 4, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about a deal that not only saved the State of Connecticut millions of dollars, but also saved the pensions of public employees.

Melissa Cropper, President, Ohio Federation of Teachers

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the big win for labor against Ohio State Issue 1. Cropper also spoke about organizing libraries and school board elections.

Jake Hummel, President, Missouri AFL-CIO | Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer

Jake Hummel, President of the Missouri AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the Building Union Diversity Apprenticeship Readiness Program in St. Louis. Hummel explained what the program does and when the ARP will be offered in area high schools.

Labor Lawyer Andrew Strom joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about a case set to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. He explained how the court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo could weaken National Labor Relations Board rulings and hurt organized labor.

Brian Aldes, Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters Local 320 | Emily Drabinski, President, American Library Association

Teamsters Local 320 Secretary-Treasurer Brian Aldes appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Local’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Aldes also talked about the Local Union and the wins it gained within its recently ratified contract.

Emily Drabinski, President of the American Library Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the ALA and attacks on libraries across America. Drabinski also spoke about the Unite Against Book Bans campaign and a tool kit for patrons to support their local library.

J.D. Thompson, Executive Vice President, CWA Local 2001 | Tim Tayloe, President, UAW Local 833

J.D. Thompson, Executive Vice President for the Communication Workers of America Local 2001, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed ongoing contract negotiations with Frontier Communications. Thompson also addressed fiber expansion in the area and the potential of a strike.

United Auto Workers Local 833 President Tim Tayloe joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the Local’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Kohler Company. Tayloe also spoke about his time with the union and his predictions for what the future holds for Local 833.

Maryland State Senator Cory McCray, Executive Board, IBEW Local 24 | Greg Christy, President, Ironworkers Great Lakes District Council

Maryland State Sen. and Executive Board member of IBEW Local 24, Cory McCray, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey from making bad decisions, to becoming a union man and now a member of the Maryland State Senate. McCray also talked about the importance of engaging in politics as a union member and what he’s been able to do as a union man and politician.

President of the Ironworkers Great Lakes District Council, Greg Christy, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the counciland their efforts to recruit and develop new members through their apprenticeship programs.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director, CWA D4 | Jason Shedlock, President, Maine Building and Construction Trades Council

Administrative Director of the Communication Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Ohio special election and some changes voters need to know before heading to the polls. Mathews also discussed the union’s efforts to save a call center in Michigan.

Jason Shedlock, President of the Maine Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new bill introducing Project Labor Agreements for offshore wind farm development in Maine. Shedlock also talked about a new training center opened by LIUNA and the importance of organizing the new offshore wind industry now.

Michael Shields, Senior Researcher and Economist, Policy Matters Ohio | Leonard Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer, Texas AFL-CIO

Michael Shields, a Senior Researcher and Economist for Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need to pay Ohio workers a living wage. Shields also talked about some occupations guilty of underpaying workers and what the state of Ohio could do to provide workers with safe and livable employment.

Newly re-elected Secretary-Treasurer for the Texas AFL-CIO, Leonard Aguilar, joined the America’s Work Force Union podcast to talk about the state eliminating mandatory heat breaks for construction workers in Texas. Aguilar also discussed the need to overturn the state law and an update on the Texas AFL-CIO.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Columbus/Central Ohio BCTC | Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building Construction and Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the North Market Tower project. Hager also discussed the National Maintenance Board, the importance of National Maintenance Agreements and outreach at the Ohio State Fair.

Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, Fred Redmond, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for another installment of First Friday with Fred. Redmond discussed the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement conference, an update on Julie Su’s nomination status for Labor Secretary and the first United Steelworker Health Care Workers Council Conference since 2017.