America’s Work Force Union Podcast

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 America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained how members of Congress are seeking to pass legislation that will ensure no military action can be taken without Congressional approval. He then highlighted the efforts of veteran Adam Rocke, who works to improve transitioning and after-service care programs for veterans. Stoffer also spoke about Iroquois Post 1587, which helped the Seneca Nation start a new youth program.

 

The Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, Rich Fiesta, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Alliance’s Congressional Voting Record for 2022. The ARA provides its members with the Voting Record to make them aware how members of Congress voted on issues that affect retirees. He also explained the positive impact of the Inflation Reduction Act.

Darin Dalmat, Senior Partner and Labor Attorney with Barnard, Iglitzin, and Lavitt LLP | Pat Gallagher, President, NCALF, AFL-CIO

Darin M. Dalmat, labor attorney and senior partner with the law firm Barnard, Iglitzin and Lavitt LLP, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed a case being heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. The firm represents Teamsters Local 174 in the Glacier NW Inc. vs. Teamsters Local 174 case. Dalmat discussed the damages Glacier is seeking, the events that led to the damages and what it was like to argue in front of the U.S. Supreme Court.

 

Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, based in Northern Ohio, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and gave an update on the repeal of So-Called “Right to Work” laws in Michigan. He also discussed a new contract for workers at Hollywood Casinos in Ohio and shared his thoughts on the the potential damage an increase of steel imported into the U.S. would cause the nation’s steel industry.

Arnold Scott, District 6 Vice President, AFGE | Nic Kula, President Local 14, AMFA

Arnold Scott, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) District 6 Vice President, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained the National Labor Relations Board’s ruling on complaints filed against the Department of Veterans Affairs actions during contract negotiations. He also spoke about President Joe Biden’s proposed 2023 budget and his hope for the reintroduced Richard J. Trumka PRO Act.

 

President of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) Local 14, Nic Kula, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the upcoming “gray out,” or retirement wave, by Airline Maintenance Technicians (AMT). He also explained the work performed by an AMT, the education the jobs require and the benefits and risks associated with the work.

Tim Burga, President, OH AFL-CIO | Frank Mathews, Administrative Director, CWA District 4

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed two new pieces of legislation designed to make railways safer - Transportation Safety Bill and the Railway Safety Act. He also addressed the implications of a recently proposed Ohio tax cut and a proposal increase to the threshold to amend the state’s constitution. 

 

Communications Workers of America District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the fight in Michigan to repeal So-Called “Right to Work” laws. He also discussed the reintroduction of the Richard L. Trumka PRO Act and the growing pro-union wave happening following the pandemic.

David Price, Organizer, Insulators Local 18

David Price, Organizer of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 18, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the status of work in the area, including what he called a historic future work outlook. He also detailed recruitment efforts and the growth of the AFL-CIO in Central Indiana. Price, who also serves as President of the Central Indiana AFL-CIO, spoke about the rapid growth of the organization in Central Indiana and what it takes to work with this large group.

Kate Shindle, President, Actors’ Equity Association | Joyce Goldstein, Labor Lawyer, Joyce Goldstein & Associates

Kate Shindle, President of the Actors’ Equity Association joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discussed a recently ratified Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Broadway theaters. She spoke about the need for increased live arts funding arts in California and the provided an update on some new groups of workers who in different stages of organizing.

 

Labor lawyer Joyce Goldstein of Joyce Goldstein & Associates appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and detailed the struggles of being the first female owner of a union-sided law firm in the U.S. and how she overcame them.

Desiree Hoffman, Assistant Legislative Director, UAW | Cindy Payne, Project Manager, Washington Women in Trades

Desiree Hoffman, Assistant Legislative Director for the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed her journey into the labor movement and her current position with the UAW.

 

Washington Women in Trades Project Manager Cindy Payne appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and gave an overview of the Washington Women in Trades organization. She discussed the history of WWIT, which acts as a support organization for women in the construction, manufacturing and transportation sectors. Payne also spoke about current and future needs of area tradeswomen.

Rosemary Feurer, Labor History Professor, Northern Illinois University | Melissa Moriarty, Storytelling and Communications Strategist, NCOSH

Rosemary Feurer, Labor History Professor at Northern Illinois University, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and shared the story of the life of Mother Jones and efforts to her legacy. Despite being a beloved and iconic figure in Chicago’s labor movement, there is no memorial to honor her memory. Now, an organized effort led by Feurer and other historians has paved the way for a Mother Jones statue to be built in Chicago at the site of the Water Tower that survived the Great Chicago Fire.

 

National Council of Occupational Safety and Health Storytelling and Communications Strategist Melissa Moriarty appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed NCOSH, the home to worker health and safety in the workplace. She also explained a Department of Labor memorandum, which gives OSHA the authority to grant Visa certifications for undocumented workers under certain cases. Moriarty also gave an overview of the Dirty Dozen, a yearly list of the 12 worst companies to work for, which will be released prior to Workers’ Memorial Day.

Stephanie Bloomingdale, President, Wisconsin State AFL-CIO | Dave Baker, Business Manager, Ironworkers Local 44

Stephanie Bloomingdale, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed being the first female president of the state federation and the fight for workers’ rights. She discussed her journey, raised in a union household, and how it led her to work with the American Federation of Teachers. She also discussed the workers’ rights battles waged with then Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and the work to undo his anti-labor policies. 

 

Ironworkers Local 44 Business Manager Dave Baker appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the excitement around the Local and a female member being singled out by President Joe Biden during his State of the Union in February. He also addressed the upcoming Brent Spence Bridge Corridor project.

Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers | Doreen Cannon, Chair, Cleveland Building Trades Tradeswomen Committee, former President of Plumbers Local 55

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, who was once deemed “the most dangerous person in the world” by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained how community and solidarity helped her overcome challenges throughout her career. Weingarten discussed how she learned these lessons as a child and as a litigation attorney in Manhattan. When she moved into the educational sector, she found these same values helped her. Weingarten also shared her thoughts on the unique challenges teachers face today.

 

Doreen Cannon, former President of Plumbers Local 55 and co-founder of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Tradeswomen Committee, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about Women in Construction Week and and upcoming apprenticeship fair. Cannon also shared her story of how a small article in The Plain Dealer changed her career.