America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans

Today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications at the American Legion. Stoffer discussed the Legion’s advocacy during government shutdowns, efforts to combat scams targeting veterans, and the inspiring journey of a veteran-turned-entrepreneur – a feature story in the December issue of the American Legion Magazine.

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a controversial Social Security disability rule, ongoing proposals to raise the retirement age and details about the Medicare open enrollment period.

Anton Ruesing, FTI | Pat Gallagher, North Coast Area Labor Federation

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Anton Ruesing, Director of the Finishing Trades Institute (FTI) of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) joined the podcast to discuss FTI’s role, the differences between union and nonunion training, FTI’s partnerships to help veterans enter the trades and workforce needs as America faces critical infrastructure challenges. 

Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and retired Steelworker, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss changes within the United Steelworkers, the evolving state of the U.S. steel industry and the increased participation of union members in politics.

Matthew Bruenig, NLRB Edge | Dennis Torres, Bonnie Oconer, SEIU UHW

This episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Matthew Bruenig, labor lawyer and publisher of the legal tracking platform NLRB Edge. Bruenig discussed his motivation for launching an accessible and affordable resource for tracking National Labor Relations Board rulings, and then discussed the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act.

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Dennis Torres and Bonnie Oconer, patient care technicians and members of the Service Employees International Union United Healthcare Workers West, who discussed their experiences in California dialysis clinics, revealing troubling findings regarding patient safety, chronic understaffing and hazardous working environments.

Melissa Cropper, OFT | Jeff Bryant, Our Schools

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), joined the podcast to discuss organizing campaigns in public libraries, recent and controversial legislation in Ohio on child labor and ongoing legal battles over the state's teacher retirement system (STRS). 

Jeff Bryant, Writing Fellow and Chief Correspondent for Our Schools, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the attacks on public education in America, the rise of school vouchers and privatization and the ongoing battle for adequate school funding.

Cristina Hooper, SEIU Local 1107 | Hannah Halbert, Policy Matters Ohio

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Cristina Hooper, a medical social worker and Service Employees International Union Local 1107 member at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, joined us to discuss what it took to win the first union contract at Sunrise Hospital.

Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Ohio Senate Bill 50 (SB50), a controversial piece of legislation in the Buckeye State. Halbert discussed the real-world impacts this bill could have on Ohio teens, employers and the broader community, highlighting what advocates and lawmakers are saying as Gov. Mike DeWine’s decision looms.

Aaron Walsh, LEAN STL | Suntrapp Workers Unite, CWA Local 7765

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Aaron Walsh, a labor recovery specialist with Laborers Escaping Adversity Now St. Louis (LEAN STL), joined the podcast to discuss the ongoing battle against anti-union policies in Missouri, the importance of mental health and addiction recovery in the trades and the strides made to expand peer support initiatives for union workers.

In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, the Suntrapp Workers Unite organizing campaign in Salt Lake City was discussed with Natalie Jankowski, lead bartender; Derek Peterson, administrative assistant to the owner; and Yara Albadri, marketing and events coordinator. The discussion centered on the closure of the Suntrapp Bar after workers initiated an organizing drive, the complexities of management-worker relations and the broader significance of their union effort within the local community.

Andrew Strom, Brooklyn Law School | Natalie Robin and Dante Smith, USA Local 829

Andrew Strom, a labor lawyer and adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the difficulties that American workers face when organizing, the limitations of new labor law reforms like the Faster Labor Contracts Act, and the transformative impact of strong union contracts in promoting upward mobility. 

In today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we welcomed Natalie Robin, organizer for United Scenic Artists Local 829 (USA 829), and Dante Smith, a lighting designer and union member, for a deep dive into the unionization efforts at the Lighting Design Group (LDG).

Bret Oesterich, AMFA | Chris Rak, SEIU Local 1

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Bret Oesterich, National President of the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), joined the show to discuss the state of the aviation industry, ongoing labor challenges and the impending merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. 

Chris Rak, Vice President and Director for Missouri and Southern Illinois at Service Employees International Union Local 1, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing contract negotiations for janitorial workers in the St. Louis region.

Dan Wiley, American Legion | Mike Hazard, UA VIP

This Veterans Day, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Dan Wiley, National Commander of the American Legion, as one of our featured guests. Wiley reflected on his military background, the long-standing advocacy work of the Legion and the ongoing “Be the One” campaign to combat veteran suicide. 

On this special Veterans Day edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Mike Hazard, Program Director of the United Association’s Veterans in Piping (UA VIP) program, joined the show to discuss the program, the need for more veterans in the skilled trades and the importance of hands-on training and post-military support. Since its inception, the UA VIP program has helped thousands of transitioning service members find stable, family-supporting careers in the pipe trades.

Frank Mathews, CWA District 4 | Tracie McMillan, Capital and Main

Today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA). Mathews focused on the recent elections, ongoing challenges with gerrymandering and the importance of union-led education and solidarity, highlighted by District 4’s recent conference in Cincinnati.

In this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Tracie McMillan, project editor for the "Striking Back" series at Capital & Main, discussed the workplace safety and unionization efforts at the Blue Oval SK battery plant in Kentucky, and the union-busting tactics employed by Ford and its joint venture partner SK On.