America’s Work Force Union Podcast

James Shillitto, UWUA Local 1-2, President | Jacob Morrison, Co-host, The Valley Labor Report

James Shillitto, President of the Utility Workers Union of America Local 1-2 in New York City, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the landmark agreement with Attentive Energy One. Shillitto also talked about the new training program and upgrades the agreement will provide.

The Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, Jacob Morrison, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union vote at Aerojet Rocketdyne in Huntsville, Ala. Morrison also talked about a fundraising pop-up concert following the surprise closing of a coffee shop in Birmingham, Ala.

Brett Large, Business Manager, Heat and Frost Insulators Local 19 | Donna Winston, Labor Management Relations-Vice President, AFGE Local C220

Brett Large, the Heat and Frost Insulators Local 19 business manager, joined the America’s Work Force Union podcast and discussed the new methods his Local uses to grow their apprenticeship program. Large also talked about the first “Senior Signing Day” and the Local’s first female apprentice to compete in the Insulators Master Apprenticeship Competition in Houston. 

Labor Management Relations- Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local C220, Donna Winston, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about understaffing issues with the Social Security Administration. Winston also discussed the causes of the high turnover rate with new employees and what could be done to improve the situation.

Alan Dowd, Contributing Editor, American Legion | Tom Buffenbarger, independent labor voice

On the Fourth of July, Alan Dowd, a contributing editor and journalist for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about his recent story in the American Legion Magazine that focused on the importance of supporting America. Dowd also spoke about a series of his articles that look at a phenomenon called declinism.

Independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast on this Independence Day and spoke about the history of Harley-Davidson. Buffenbarger discussed the post-war problems faced by the company and how unions helped make Harley-Davidson the powerhouse company it is today.

Conrado Guerrero, President, SEIU Local 99 | Bob Funk, Executive Director, LaborLab

Conrado Guerrero, President of the Service Employees International Union Local 99 joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Local’s fight to get a new contract with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Guerrero also talked about his journey to lead Local 99.

Executive Director of LaborLab, Bob Funk, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about LaborLab’s midyear report that exposed companies who engage in anti-union persuasion. Funk also discussed the regulations on hiring persuaders or those who engage in anti-union tactics.

William Sherer II, Business Manager, Ironworkers Local 550 | Jason Watson, GM Bargaining Chairman, UAW Local 2164

Bill Sherer II Business Manager for Ironworkers Local 550, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his time with the Ironworkers. Sherer also discussed his history in politics and his campaign to become the next mayor of Canton.

The GM Bargaining Chairman for United Auto Workers Local 2164, Jason Watson, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the 70th anniversary of the Chevrolet Corvette. Watson also talked about the history of the Corvette and upcoming contract negotiations.

Jarrett Skorup, Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Mackinac Center for Public Policy | Francis Eanes, Executive Director, Maine Labor Climate Council

Jarrett Skorup Vice President for Marketing and Communications for the Mackinac Center for Public Policy joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the five-year anniversary of the Janus Decision and its impact on union membership nationwide. Skorup also discussed how to collect union membership data accurately, and why union popularity remains high while membership decreases.

Executive Director of the Maine Labor Climate Council, Francis Eanes returned to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the veto of one of the two offshore wind bills by Gov. Janet Mills. Eanes also discussed problems that arose in the bill and the next steps to get the offshore wind bills passed.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust | Will Ragland, Senior Director of Research, Advocacy & Outreach Department, Center for American Progress

Pete Ielmini, the Executive Director for the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about purchasing safety equipment for females and how it compares to men’s safety equipment. Ielmini also talked about the progress of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act and dispelled myths about the proposed legislation.

Senior Director of Research, Advocacy and Outreach Department for the Center for American Progress, Will Ragland, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Biden Administration Investment Tracker. Ragland also discussed various ways the public can use the online tool and future expansion efforts.

Shawn Russell, Business Manager, Ironworkers Local 103 | Tom Buffenbarger, Independent Labor Voice

Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 103 Shawn Russell, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the apprenticeship and outreach plans for the Local. Russell also talked about his journey to joining a union and the challenges faced when organizing in his region.

Independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about recent forced labor issues from China. Buffenbarger also talks about subsidies given to bring large companies to rural areas and specifically how such offers made to Boeing failed in South Carolina.

Theresa Kulbaga, Rachel Makarowski, Faculty Alliance of Miami University, Faculty Alliance of Miami | David Spero, National President, Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS)

Two members of the Faculty Alliance of Miami at Miami University, Theresa Kulbaga and Rachel Makarowski, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss organizing victories for teachers and staff at Miami University. Kulbalga also spoke about the issues they overcame in founding FAM, while Makarowski provided details on the librarians’ fight to join the Union.

National President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) David Spero joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the struggles of their two bargaining units. Spero also discussed efforts to get a new contract and the organization's desire for the FAA reauthorization in the fall.

Rita Akincilar, Staff Organizer, UAW Local 2325 Association of Legal Aid Attorneys | Bernie Hall, District 10 Director, USW

Staff organizer for the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys — United Auto Workers Local 2325 (ALAA), Rita Akincilar, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of unionizing at the Brooklyn Defender Services (BDS). Akincilar talked about the employer’s union-busting tactics during contract negotiations and the workplace conditions and rules that led to a lunchtime picket at the BDS offices.

Bernie Hall, Director of the United Steelworkers District 10, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about how the USW is handling the increasing role of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Hall also discussed examples of how AI is being used now and how the Union is preparing for the future.