America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Jim Ascione (Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council) / Greg Regan (Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO)

Jim Ascione, Financial Secretary of the Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the controversy surrounding a policy that allows non-union contractors to buyout apprentices in order to work on publically funded projects. He also spoke about loopholes in Delaware’s Prevailing Wage laws and how the building trades will lead the charge to create and pass the Delaware PRO Act Bill.

 

Greg Regan, the President of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about a proposal by Amtrak to replace a two-person railroad crew with only an engineer and the safety issues it could create. He also discussed his optimism about future transportation regulations and the need for international companies to follow the same safety standards as American companies who work on domestic aircraft.

Matt Grills (American Legion) / Rich Fiesta (Alliance for Retired Americans)

Matt Grills, Managing Editor of The American Legion Magazine, joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed how the Federal omnibus spending bill will help veterans, plus the importance of the U.S. being energy independent. He also previewed an article in the upcoming February issue of the magazine on how the Korean war helped to end segregation in the U.S. military. 

       

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the potential for future U.S. debt issues to negatively impact Social Security.

Scott Paul (AAM) / Tony Panza (USW Local 979)

Scott Paul, President for Alliance for American Manufacturing joined the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the House Select Committee of the Strategic Competition between the U.S. and China. He also stressed the importance of domestically producing solar panels.

 

United Steel Workers Local 979 Grievance Committee Chair Tony Panza appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and provided an update on the Locals relationship with Cleveland-Cliffs and the grievances his members file.  

Brad Britton (UA Local 565) / Johnny Jones (AFGE)

Johnny Jones, American Federation of Government Employees Transportation Security Administration Council 100 Secretary-Treasurer, joined the AWF Union Podcast and explained the recent wage increase TSA workers will receive thanks to passage of the omnibus government funding bill. He also spoke about the unique items passengers try to bring through airport security.     

 

Plumber and Steamfitters Local 565 Business Manager Brad Britton appeared on the AWF Union and discussed how West Virginia legislatures may weakening the licensing requirements of construction workers and a potential change to unemployment benefits. He also talked about several mega projects in the area.

Lou Antonellis (IBEW 103) / Melissa Cropper (OFT)

Ohio Federation of Teachers President Melissa Cropper appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about Senate Bill 1, which would transfer curriculum decisions away from the State Education Board and give it to the governor. She also talked about House Bill 458, which requires Ohio voters to show official photo identification before they vote in-person.  

 

Lou Antonellis, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103, joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed how the Local’s JATC recently graduated its most diverse apprenticeship class in its history. He also spoke about their Construction Wireman pre-apprenticeship program.  

Matt Biggs and Gay Henson (IFPTE) / William Spriggs (AFL-CIO)

International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers International President Matt Biggs and Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed why the federal government should not change the operation of damns from on-site, in-person operators to remote technology. They also talked about organizing non-profit organizations.    

 

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, AFL-CIO Chief Economist William Spriggs appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and addressed the current state of labor and its relationship to civil rights. He also spoke about states that refuse to raise the minimum wage.

Matthew Gonzales (Liuna Local 1095) / Joyce Goldstein (Labor Lawyer)

Matthew Gonzales, Business Manager for Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 1095, joined the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about pro-labor legislation recently passed by Austin City Council, plus other legislation they are considering. He also talked about the Local’s work outlook. 

 

Joyce Goldstein, labor lawyer at Joyce Goldstein and Associates, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained how workers can benefit by joining a union. She also discussed why companies should remain neutral when employees inform them they want to join a union.

Josh Nassar (UAW) / Paul Flynn (IBEW 34)

United Auto Workers Legislative Director Josh Nassar joined the AWF Union Podcast and shared his thoughts on what should be the priorities of the U.S. House and Senate, as both legislative chambers begin new terms. He also talked about an organizing victory at California University.

 

Paul Flynn, Business Manager/Financial Secretary of IBEW 34, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed the Local’s workload, which includes a $400 million cancer treatment center. He also spoke about the Local 34 apprenticeship program and their recruitment process. 

Carl Rosen (UE) / Ed Caines (IUOE 926)

Carl Rosen, General President of the United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the Green Locomotive Project and his concern about the attack on railway workers and their ability to go on strike.

 

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 926 Business Manager Ed Caines joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed how the Local is growing its apprenticeship program, plus the many benefits of being an apprentice.

Frank Mathews (CWA District 4) / Keith Lounsbery (ASFCME/ MSAE Local 5)

Communication Workers of America District 4 Administrative Director Frank Matthews joined the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about a labor neutrality agreement between the CWA and Miscroft, once the software company completes its acquisition of Activision Blizzard. He also talked about a potential funding increase for broadband infrastructure.

 

Keith Lounsbery, President of the Michigan State Employees Asocciation and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 5, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained how So-Called “Right to Work” laws have impacted the Local and its members. He also discussed how the Local is growing its membership.