America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Adam Keller, Co-host and Political Coordinator, The Valley Labor Report and IATSE Local 900 | Dave Jamieson, Labor Reporter, Huffpost

Adam Keller, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report and Political Coordinator/Trustee for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 900 joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss TVLR’s surge in listenership and their outreach activities. Keller also discussed a piece of legislation he helped create to expand Medicaid coverage in Alabama, as well as redistricting in Alabama and the decision on Space Command.

Labor Reporter for the HuffPost, Dave Jamieson, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his recent five-part series on the actions of union persuasion firms called “The Persuaders.” Jamieson discussed one occurrence from his series about a persuader in Missouri and shared the reaction to the series so far.

Dave Tocco, USW Local 2958, President | Anthony Fresina, LIUNA Local 190, Business Manager

Dave Tocco, President of the United Steelworkers Local 2958 in Kokomo, Ind., joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new 5-year deal for members working at Haynes International. Tocco also talked about the support from the community and the impact their possible strike had on negotiations.

Business Manager of LIUNA Local 190 in Glenmont, N.Y., Anthony Fresina, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the summer of recruitment occurring in the region. Fresina also discussed the shovel-ready projects needing workers now, and the efforts by the training facilities to keep up with current and future worker demands.

Tim Burga, President, President, Ohio AFL-CIO | Matt Schlobohm, Executive Director, Maine AFL-CIO

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about Ohio’s upcoming special election. Burga discussed the importance of maintaining the current approval procedure and some changes to be aware of when voting.

Executive Director of the Maine AFL-CIO, Matt Schlobohm, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent legislature passed that will impact the future of work and union jobs in Maine. Schlobohm also talked about efforts to grow their pre-apprenticeship program that targets underrepresented residents.

Stacey White and Vaughn Benton, Bargaining Committee Members, 1199SEIU Florida | Brent Booker, General President, LIUNA

Stacey White, a Speech Therapist, and Vaughn Benton, a Pharmacy Manager, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about their work as bargaining committee members for 1199SEIU Florida negotiating a new contract with HCA Healthcare. White and Benton talked about the staffing crisis and the failings of the current operations at hospitals run by HCA.

General President of LIUNA, Brent Booker, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his short time in charge. Booker also talked about the workers who repaired Interstate 95 in record time and his plans for the future of the Union.

Tony Reardon, National President, NTEU | Donnie Blatt, Director, USW District 1

Tony Reardon, the National President of the National Treasury Employees Union, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his upcoming retirement. Reardon shared highlights from his time in charge and moments that had a lasting impact on him.

Director of the United Steelworkers District 1, Donnie Blatt joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Ohio’s special election in August. Blatt also talked about the work the rapid response team is doing to educate registered voters and the cost to Ohio taxpayers to hold this special election.

Bill Samuel, Director of Government Affairs, AFL-CIO | Mark Clements, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Maritime Trades Department

Bill Samuel, Director of Government Affairs for the AFL-CIO joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the increase of misinformation being shared with American citizens about the economy. Samuel also talked about the shift away from the debt ceiling agreement by Republicans in the House of Representatives and an update on Julie Su’s confirmation battle.

Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department, Mark Clements joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss efforts to reactivate Port Maritime Councils that went inactive during the pandemic and his journey to his new position with the MTD.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director, LMCT | Rob Wilson, employment trends expert

Pete Ielmini, the Executive Director for the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act being introduced by Congress. Ielmini also shared details about the funding impact of the bill and other initiatives including the Insulators' efforts to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

An employment trends expert, Rob Wilson, joined the America’s Work Force Union to discuss the growing trend of child labor law violations. Wilson also talked about the 10 states that rolled back child labor protections and issues minors face in the workplace.

Andrew Spar | Florida Education Association | President | Scott Slawson | UE Local 506 | President

Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the fight over African American studies in Florida’s curriculum and a recent bump in membership thanks to an attack on teachers.

Scott Slawson, United Electrical Workers Local 506 President, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and announced Local 506 members who work at Wab-Tec have gone on strike after management’s refusal to pay employees what they believe is deserved compensation.

Tony Cardwell, Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters | Tom Buffenbarger

Tony Cardwell, President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWE) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about railroad industry safety. Cardwell discussed the fight by railroad workers for sick leave and how his path to join the union can be used to teach recruiters an important lesson. 

Independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger joined the America’s Work Force Union podcast and discussed the importance of the Buy American Act and how it could impact the supply chain. Buffenbarger also spoke about the proposed $100 million cuts to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

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

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the Amercia’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained how Task Force Movement is partnering with the Teamsters Union to help veterans obtain CDLs. He also spoke about work by the Legion to help veterans receive their disability benefits.

Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed ongoing staffing issues at nursing homes throughout the U.S. Fiesta also talked about nursing home staffing regulations in individual states and the fight to decrease the cost of prescription drugs.