America’s Work Force Union Podcast

A City in Crisis: Minneapolis Labor Mobilized, and the Fight for Video Game Workers’ Rights

This episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast explores two critical fronts in the modern labor movement: the massive mobilization for civil rights in Minneapolis and the rapidly evolving union landscape of the video game industry.

As of January 29, 2026, Minnesota is at the center of a national crisis following the tragic death of Alex Pretti, a VA nurse and AFGE member, while video game workers across the globe prepare for a historic international strike at Ubisoft.

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Part 1: Minneapolis Labor Federation Mobilizes Against ICE

Guest: Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation (AFL-CIO)

 

Following the Day of Truth and Freedom on Jan. 23, Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou joins the show to discuss a community in motion. Despite subzero temperatures, an estimated 90,000 people rallied in Minneapolis to demand an end to ICE's "occupation" of local neighborhoods.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Scale of Resistance: Why nearly 100,000 people marched in -23°F weather and how the Target Center became a hub for solidarity within 48 hours.

• The Death of Alex Pretti: A look at the tragic killing of the AFGE Local 3669 member and why labor leaders argue that current enforcement tactics are making workplaces and communities less safe.

• Building a Defense: The surge in Constitutional Observer and nonviolent action trainings, which have tripled in participation as union members choose preparation over retreat.

• Economic Blackout: How 1,000 small businesses stood with labor while major corporations remained silent.

"The resilience of our community is so strong right now. You cannot go into a neighborhood that is not self-organizing." — Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou

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Part 2: United Videogame Workers-CWA & The Future of Gaming

Guests: Vlada Monakhova (Montreal) & Anna Webster (Los Angeles), United Videogame Workers-CWA (Local 9433)

The "dream job" of game development is facing a reality check. With United Videogame Workers (UVW-CWA) nearing 600 members since its March 2025 launch, organizers are proving that even "creatives" need the power of a union contract.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Ubisoft Strike: Details on the February 10-12 international walkout called by five unions in response to studio closures and the 5-day return-to-office mandate.

   

• The "Art Factory" Myth: Shifting the industry mindset from "passion-driven" to "worker-led" to combat exploitation and $200M cost-cutting plans.

• Contract Wins & AI Protections: How workers at Blizzard, Bethesda, and Sega are securing rights over generative AI and winning residual payments for game releases.

• GDC Festival of Gaming 2026: UVW’s plans for a major presence at the San Francisco event (March 9-13) to organize the next generation of developers.

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Take Action & Resources:

• Listen to the full episode to hear the firsthand accounts of these labor leaders.

• Support Minneapolis Labor: Contact the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation for nonviolent action training.

• Join the Gaming Movement: Are you a developer or freelancer? Connect with United Videogame Workers-CWA to protect your career.

Keywords: Union Rights 2026, Minneapolis ICE Protests, Alex Pretti AFGE, United Videogame Workers, Ubisoft Strike 2026, CWA Local 9433, Labor Podcast, Collective Bargaining AI.

Passing the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act & Harnessing Food as Medicine

In this power-packed episode, we dive into two major fronts where labor is winning: Capitol Hill and member wellness. First, Pete Ielmini of the LMCT breaks down the historic 54-0 committee vote for the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act and why firestopping is the "life-safety" market union insulators need to own. Then, the experts from Blue Cross Blue Shield’s National Labor Office join us to explain why "Food is Medicine" isn't just a trend—it’s a survival strategy for shift workers and union families.

Segment 1: Legislative Momentum & Life Safety

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joins the show to discuss a massive legislative breakthrough.

• The 54-0 Win: How the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously and what the "suspension" process means for its future.

• Taxpayer Impact: Why auditing 350,000 federal buildings for insulation is a "no-brainer" for energy savings.

• Firestopping is Life Safety: Why union insulators are the experts in containing smoke and flame—and why building owners can’t afford to wait for a tragedy to prioritize it.

• Mental Health Matters: An update on the Insulators’ Member Assistance Program and the push to make mental health support as routine as a safety meeting.

Segment 2: Nutrition as a Union Strategy

We sit down with Merrilee Logue, Aishat Magbade, and Sarah Duggan Goldstein from the BCBS National Labor Office to talk about the "Food is Medicine" movement.

• Breaking Barriers: Why shift work, overtime, and "food deserts" make healthy eating a structural challenge for union members, not just a personal choice.

• Hidden Benefits: Are you leaving "Medically Tailored Meals" or "Produce Prescriptions" on the table? We discuss how to find these benefits in your existing health plan.

• Small Changes, Big Gains: Practical tips for locals to improve workplace nutrition and combat the chronic diseases that drive up healthcare costs.

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Key Quotes

"The Federal Mechanical Insulation Act is a no-brainer... it’s not just a bill, it’s a journey toward public savings." — Pete Ielmini

"Food is medicine is the concept that food is a factor for improving health outcomes by preventing, combating, or even managing disease." — Merrilee Logue

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The status of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act in the House and Senate.

2. How the Firestop Market Recovery Program is helping contractors win more work.

3. The difference between medically tailored groceries and standard nutrition.

4. How to advocate for better nutrition benefits within your Local.

Resources & Links:

• Mechanical Insulators LMCT Website

• Blue Cross Blue Shield National Labor Office

• Next Step: Check your health plan for "Medically Tailored Meals" or "Produce Prescriptions" today!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for more updates from the front lines of the labor movement!

From the Picket Line to D.C.: The Fight for Staffing and the Young Workers March

On this edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle two critical fronts of the labor movement in 2026: the life-and-death stakes of public healthcare staffing in California and a high-level analysis of national economic and political instability.

Segment 1: Solano County’s Mental Health "Emergency"

Solano County’s behavioral health workforce isn't warning of a future risk—they are describing a present-tense catastrophe. Sarah Soroken, a licensed marriage and family therapist and SEIU Local 1021 member, joins the podcast to discuss why 2,000 county workers recently walked out on a two-day strike.

• The Vacancy Gap: With 200 open positions in Health and Social Services, remaining staff are facing "moral injury" and burnout while patients face dangerous waitlists.
• The Human Cost: Why union-driven staffing demands are a public health issue in a county that ranks 15th out of 58 in California suicide rates.
• Budgetary Myths: A look at union "deep dives" into county finances that challenge claims of a financial crisis.

Segment 2: Union Rights at a Breaking Point

Retired International President of the Machinists Union (IAMAW), Tom Buffenbarger, provides a sobering diagnosis of a country he says has slipped into a 1960s-style crisis—only worse.

• The Investigation Gap: Buffenbarger explains why he trusts state leadership, such as Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, over federal investigators following recent tragedies in Minneapolis.
• The Tariff Price Tag: How trade brinkmanship with Canada is hitting the grocery store (milk, eggs, cereal) and industrial supply chains of working families in the U.S.
• Organizing the Future: Why the Young Workers March on Washington (Feb. 7) represents a "bright spot" for a generation looking for stability through union rights.

Resources & Next Steps

• Join the Movement: Visit goiam.org for details on the Young Workers March.

Follow the Fight: See more SEIU 1021 and IAMAW stories on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast.

The Safety Gap: Federal Rail Reform & The Firefighter Staffing Crisis

"In 2026, safety isn't a talking point—it's a function of staffing, oversight, and enforceable rules." 🚨🛤️

Whether it’s the rails running through our towns or the fire engines protecting our neighborhoods, the message from labor is urgent: the gap between public rhetoric and actual safety is widening. This episode breaks down the two most critical battles in Labor Legislation 2026.

Part 1: Rail Safety & Union Rights (TTD President Greg Regan)

Nearly three years after the East Palestine, Ohio disaster, why has durable federal reform stalled? Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joins us to discuss the "eyes and ears" on the ground.

• The RSAC Return: Why the Rail Safety Advisory Committee is vital for real-time risk reporting.
• The 2026 Deadline: The September 30th Surface Transportation Reauthorization is the "hard deadline" Congress cannot ignore.
• Lobbying vs. Lives: A blunt look at why the Rail Safety Act and the Under Pressure Act remain stuck in neutral.

Part 2: The Firefighter Breaking Point (IAFF Locals 735 & 507)

We move to the frontlines in Pennsylvania, where chronic firefighter understaffing is turning routine calls into preventable risks. Ed "Flash" Ferenc sits down with Lou Jimenez (IAFF 735) and Jordan Klein (IAFF 507).

• The 1710 Deficit: Why PA’s average of 2.29 firefighters per engine is a danger to both crews and the public.
• The Volunteer Collapse: The "factory horn" era is over. Why municipalities must transition to career staffing now.
• Grant Gaps: Why SAFER and AFG grants are failing the departments that need them most.

Why This Matters for 2026:

From the ROTOR Act in aviation to NFPA 1710 in the fire service, this episode highlights the shift from “policy” to “permanence.” If it isn't written into law, it can be rolled back.

Resources & Deep Dives:

• Read TTD’s Greg Regan’s Rail Safety Blog: https://awf.labortools.com/listen/rail-safety-reform-greg-regan-2026
• Read the IAFF Local 735 and 507 Blog: https://awf.labortools.com/listen/pa-firefighter-staffing-crisis-iaff-2026

David Goldberg, California Teachers Association | Sue Browne, United Steelworkers

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed David Goldberg, President of the California Teachers Association (CTA), representing more than 325,000 educators across the state. Goldberg discussed the funding challenges facing California public schools, the wave of teacher strikes for better resources and compensation and the critical need to extend Proposition 55, a tax measure that supports education and other public services.

On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Sue Browne, Rapid Response Coordinator for District 1 of the United Steelworkers, took center stage. With more than 30 years as a Steelworker and deep roots in Local 5965 in Michigan, Browne reflected on her path from the assembly line to union activism. She shared insights into the USW Rapid Response program, its communication strategies, and its Balancing the Scales campaign, which aims to advance core workplace issues for union members in Ohio and Michigan.

Mike Leda, IBEW Local 153 | Richard Shavzin, SAG-AFTRA

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Mike Leda, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 153, to highlight the remarkable growth and evolution of his local in South Bend, Ind. Representing about 1,400 members across Northern Indiana and parts of Michigan, IBEW Local 153 has seen surging interest in the electrical trades and a booming apprenticeship program.

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Richard Shavzin, 1st Vice President of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local and Executive Board member of the Illinois AFL-CIO, discussed artificial intelligence. The conversation covered the implications for union performers and the broader creative sector, potential job security risks, personal agency concerns and the rapidly evolving legal landscape as AI reshapes entertainment and media. Shavzin drew on his decades of industry experience and recent service on Governor Pritzker’s AI task force, which he said put him in a vital role as an advocate for labor in the new age of technology.

Jason Walsh, BlueGreen Alliance | Lynn LaPlante, Chicago Federation of Musicians

On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Jason Walsh, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, reflected on the organization’s 20-year journey uniting labor and environmental movements. Walsh discussed the origins of the coalition, its influence on public policy, and the challenges it faces amid shifting political landscapes.

Lynn LaPlante, a concert violinist and member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her campaign for Illinois State Representative. She highlighted her union background, community service through music, her decision to run for office and the importance of grassroots support in her campaign for the state legislature.

Melissa Cropper, OFT | Jon Schleuss, NewGuild-CWA

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss funding shortages hitting the Toledo Public School system, this year’s gubernatorial election and its implications for school funding, as well as a surge of successful union organizing efforts in Central Ohio.

This episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jon Schleuss, President of the NewsGuild-CWA, who discussed the recent announcement that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will close after a legal win for the union that was achieved through the courts, and what it means for journalists and local news in Pittsburgh.

Jennie Baird, Ethical Tech Project | Siobhan Standaert, Good Jobs First

Jennie Baird, co-chair of the Ethical Tech Project, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to address the growing impact of artificial intelligence on American workers. Baird shed light on her organization’s mission to educate and guide tech builders toward ethical, responsible AI development practices.

This episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast spotlighted Siobhan Standaert, a research analyst at Good Jobs First, a nonprofit focused on corporate accountability and labor rights. Standaert shared her unique background—from her roots in a commercial fishing family to leading a deckhand apprenticeship program with the Deep Sea Fishermen’s Union of the Pacific and, ultimately, joining Good Jobs First—to better understand her commitment to worker advocacy.

Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Lisa Cutler, Alliance for Retired Americans

This episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, who spotlighted content from the February American Legion Magazine. Topics included the epidemic of loneliness among veterans, the timeless leadership of George Washington and the groundbreaking legacy of Air Force General Daniel “Chappie” James for Black History Month.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Lisa Cutler, Director of Communications for the Alliance for Retired Americans, discussed recent changes to prescription drug pricing, adjustments to Social Security benefits, Medicare premiums and the impact of staff cuts at Social Security field offices.