America’s Work Force Union Podcast

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.

Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director, AFL-CIO | David Green, Director District 2B, UAW

Bill Samuel, the Government Affairs Director for the AFL-CIO joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the fallout in Congress from the deal to raise the national debt ceiling. Samuel also talked about the progress of Julie Su’s confirmation vote and a change in the status of the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023.

Director of United Auto Workers District 2B, David Green, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the makeup of the district. Green also talked about recent contract negotiations in the District and how the International is preparing Locals for the electric battery transition.

David Cann, Director of Organizing with the American Federation of Government Employees | Maida Rosenstein, Director of Organizing, UAW Local 2110

David Cann, Director of Organizing with the American Federation of Government Employees joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the organizing success in May. Cann discussed the organizing model the AFGE employed and why empowering locals and members is the key to successful organizing.

Director of Organizing for the United Auto Workers Local 2110 Maida Rosenstein, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Hispanic Society Museum and Library. Rosenstein outlined the reasons for the museum workers' strike and their battle for a first contract.

Melissa Cropper, President, Ohio Federation of Teachers | Reagan, AEA, Organizer and Dancer

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about state budget changes proposed by the Ohio Senate. Cropper also discussed workforce development educational program in New Lexington and a book festival in Columbus.

Organizer and dancer for Star Garden, Reagan, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the 15-month journey to receiving recognition to unionize with the Actors Equity Association. Reagan also discussed the issues that led to the dancers' fight to unionize and shared some of the reactions to their efforts.

Terry Melvin, President, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists | Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO honoring William “Bill” Spriggs

In honor of the Juneteenth holiday, Terry Melvin, President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the most recent CBTU Convention in New Orleans. Melvin also discussed the history of the CBTU and the organization’s to push America and the labor movement forward.

Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO Fred Redmond, made a special appearance on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Juneteenth, and discussed the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists and Terry Melvin. Redmond also honored William “Bill” Spriggs and his impact on the way economists do their jobs. Finally, we replay Spriggs’ last interview on the AWF Union Podcast where he discussed Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights movement and how they correlate with the labor movement today.

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

Jeff Stoffer, Director of the Media and Communications Division for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the July edition of the American Legion magazine. Stoffer talked about the Flagwavers article, an article on National Parks providing opportunities for veterans and the 120th anniversary of Harley-Davidson. 

Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans Rich Fiesta, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a lawsuit filed by a major drug company to cancel the Inflation Reduction Act’s policy on drug pricing. Fiesta also discussed a newly proposed budget proposal supported by a majority of the Republican Party in the House of Representatives.

Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer | Leonard Dicosimo, Executive Secretary, North Shore AFL-CIO

Labor Lawyer and Senior Contributor for the OnLabor Blog, Andrew Strom, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his blog reacting to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on the Glacier Northwest case. Strom also talked about the possible issues that may come from the decision. 

Newly-elected Executive Secretary of the North Shore AFL-CIO, Leonard DiCosimo, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Ohio’s special election in August and events planned to get the word out about the election. DiCosimo also talked about events happening with the American Federation of Musicians Local 4.

Johnny Jones, Secretary-Treasurer, AFGE TSA Council 100 | Chris Smith, Business Agent, Teamsters Local 777

Johnny Jones, Secretary-Treasurer for the American Federation of Government Employees Transportation Security Administration Council 100, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the gains from their recent Collective Bargaining Agreement. Jones also discussed his members receiving the largest pay-raise in government employee history and a reminder about potential summer travel delays.

Business Agent for Teamsters Local 777 Chris Smith, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the unionization of the cannabis industry in the Chicagoland area. He also discussed the differences dispensary workers see after joining a union.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director, CWA District 4 | Glenn Di Biasi, Fund Administrator, UFCW Health and Welfare Fund

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of the Communication Workers of America District 4, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Issue 1 in Ohio. Mathews also discussed the combined effort with the Ohio AFL-CIO to rally residents to get to the polls for the special election in August and a strike at Maximus.

Fund Administrator for the United Food and Commercial Workers Health and Welfare Fund Glenn Di Biasi, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the need for modernized healthcare benefits in labor unions. Di Biasi also discussed how labor unions are driving innovation within healthcare benefits and how health and wellness benefits are key to attracting and retaining union members.

Andy O’Brien, Communications Director, Maine AFL-CIO | Ember McCoy, Outgoing Vice President University of Michigan GEO

Communications Director of the Maine AFL-CIO Andy O’Brien, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Maine Legislation LD 1756 to ban captive audience meetings. O’Brien also talked about two other bills that will benefit union members and the progress to put strong labor standards and protections in place for offshore wind facilities.

Ember McCoy, Outgoing Vice President of the Graduate Employees Organization at the University of Michigan (AFT-MI 3550), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the graduate workers strike at the University of Michigan. McCoy also talked about creating a safe workplace and campus for graduate workers and allegations that the University’s administration forced its staff to commit academic fraud.