America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Rebecca Reindel, Safety and Health Director, AFL-CIO | Connie Mabin, Director New Media/Next Generation, USW

Rebecca Reindel, the Safety and Health Director for the AFL-CIO joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Workers Memorial Day. Reindel shared the importance of Workers Memorial Day, and it’s history. She also discussed the recently released Death on the Job report and some of the more interesting findings.

 

United Steelworker’s Director of New Media and the Next Generation Project, Connie Mabin, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the union uses social media to connect and organize younger generations. She shared some of the positive resultsand how the new members are changing the union.

Bill Samuel, Director of Government Affairs, AFL-CIO | Terry O’Sullivan, General President, LIUNA

AFL-CIO Director of Government Affairs Bill Samuel joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the battle to raise the debt ceiling. He also discussed the likelihood that Julie Su would be approved as the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary and what could happen if the Senate does not approve the nomination.

 

Terry O’Sullivan, General President of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed his upcoming retirement after 23 years of leading LIUNA. He discussed the work he did to increase membership and manhours and gave his thoughts on the next generation of union leaders.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust | Tim Driscoll, President, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers

Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, Pete Ielmini, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, which has gained the support of a Repubilcan co-sponsor. Ielmini also discussed a potential labor shortage, President Joe Biden running for re-election and Workers’ Memorial Day.

 

Tim Driscoll, President of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the various trades within the BAC and need to recruit more apprentices. He also discussed the ongoing fight to eliminate worker misclassification, wage theft and employer abuse against undocumented workers.

Margaret Poydock, Policy Analyst and Government Affairs Specialist, Economic Policy Institute | Tom Buffenbarger, independent labor voice

Economic Policy Institute Policy Analyst and Government Affairs Specialist Margaret Poydock joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the EPI’s recent report on union avoidance consultation work and how it has affected attempts to organize non-union companies. Poydock also discussed the legalities of this “work” and why it is hard to outlaw.

 

Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the recent announcement by President Joe Biden that he will seek a second term in office. Buffenbarger reviewed the success of Biden’s first term and also gave his thoughts on the rail industry, including issues with the Precision Scheduled Railroad business model.

Matt Barrall, Vice President, Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police | Greg Regan, President, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Matt Barrall, Vice President of the Nebraska Fraternal Order of Police, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the recent success of contract negotiations for correction officers. He also spoke about a plan he helped create to implement a multi-million dollar statewide training program to help improve the reaction and de-escalation abilities of officers.

 

Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, President Greg Regan appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the current fight between the TTD and railroad carriers to prohibit stock buy-backs until the rail freight carriers invest in improved safety measures. He also discussed the ongoing FAA reauthorization, which has a push for new safety measures across all repair stations and would simultaneously prevent current safety procedures from being removed.

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

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications Division of the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the spread of misinformation and disinformation as a growing threat in America. He then discussed how other countries combat these issues, including educating the younger generation on media literacy. Stoffer also talked about the American Battle Monuments Commission and their 100th anniversary celebration.

 

Executive Director of the Alliance of Retired Americans, Rich Fiesta, appeared on the American Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need to increase the debt ceiling to prevent a potential cut to Social Secruity and Medicaid. He also spoke about the likelihood that both Social Security and Medicaid could face an increase in the entry age for users.

Bob Butero | UMWA | Regional Director | Pat Gallagher | North Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO | President

Bob Butero, Regional Director of the United Mine Workers of America, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the 1914 Ludlow Massacre, including how it led to the passage of the Wagner Act, which created the National Labor Relations Board.

 

North Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, President Pat Gallagher appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke against Ohio HJR-1, which would change how citizens can amend the Ohio Constitution.

Darryll Bell | AFGE 31 | President | Brian Goepfert | Mine Safety and Health Administration | Administrator for Mine Safety and Health Enforcement

Darryll Bell, President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 31, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the need to improve Collective Bargaining Agreements in order to make them worker-friendly. He also spoke about the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as there are fewer VA employees and lower AFGE membership compared to pre-pandemic years.

 

Brian Goepfert, Administrator for Mine Safety and Health Enforcement for the Mine Safety and Health Administration, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained how the organization is pushing for more safety training for miners in order to reduce struck-by incidents and other jobsite accidents.

Melissa Cropper | Ohio Federation of Teachers | President | Donnie Colston | IBEW | Director of Utility Department

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed legislation that the OFT opposes. She also gave updates on multiple organizing campaigns throughout the state.

 

Donnie Colston, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Utility Department Director, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained why the IBEW has petitioned Congress to move the date of Lineman Appreciation Day. He also detailed the need for more linemen and the safety hazards they face on the job.

Jessica Bunting | Center for Construction Research & Training | Research to Practice Program Director | Ana Gonzalez | Texas AFL-CIO | Deputy Director of Politics and Policy

Jessica Bunting, Director of Research to Practice at the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed what can be done to prevent job site deaths through the research done by her organization.

 

Texas AFL-CIO Deputy Director of Politics and Policy Ana Gonzalez appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about state legislation that negatively impacts construction workers.