America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Merrilee Logue, Executive Director, National Labor Office | Nick Prather, Business Agent, Teamsters Local 100

Merrilee Logue, the Executive Director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield National Labor Office (NLO), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the NLO, her journey to leading the union-focused organization and how they ensure it provides the best solutions for all union members.

Business Agent for Teamsters Local 100, Nick Prather, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about Local 100, and their organizing win that led to a first contract for a group of DHL workers at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Prather also discussed the Unfair Labor Practices filed against DHL during the campaign and what it took to finally get a first contract after 6 months of negotiations.

Tony Cardwell, General President, BMWED-Teamsters | Donnie Blatt, Director, USW District 1

President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, Tony Cardwell, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the issues with the main rail companies and how their actions help create a staffing shortage in the rail industry. Cardwell also talked about the win for workers as a majority now receive paid sick leave.

Director of District 1 of the United Steelworkers, Donnie Blatt, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a new organizing initiative in his District and how it could improve trust with potential members.

Bill Samuel, Director of Government Affairs, AFL-CIO | Bob Towslee, Business Manager, Machinists Local 1363

Bill Samuel, Director of Government Affairs for the AFL-CIO joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing issues with Congress failing to agree on a 2024 federal budget. Samuel also talked about the previous government shutdown and the internal strife for the U.S. House of Representatives Republican majority.

Business Manager for International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1363, Bob Towslee, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the strike at Valley Ford and the threat workers face on their pensions.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director, Insulators LMCT | Keith Pluymers, big bargaining team member, UFISU

Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director, Pete Ielmini, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share updates on the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act. Ielmini also talked about the potential taxpayer savings if the bill is passed and more possible tax breaks for mechanical insulation under another proposed bill. 

Keith Pluymers, a member of the big bargaining team for the United Faculty of Illinois State University (UFISU) -– a chapter of University Professionals of Illinois Local 4100 — joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their victory in the union election. Pluymers also discussed the issues facing faculty that led to seeking a union and the union’s next steps to earn a first contract.

Alvy Hughes, VP, SMART Union | Tom Buffenbarger, independent labor voice

Vice President of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Union, Alvy Hughes, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the rising number of assaults on transit workers. Hughes discussed the importance of transit workers to everyday life and some of the safety improvements provided for bus drivers.

Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential for more cuts to safety procedures in the rail industry. Buffenbarger also talked about Boeing’s mechanical malfunctions and how they can avoid losing the consumer's trust.

Leonard Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer, Texas AFL-CIO | Greg Regan, President, TTD

Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, Len Aguilar, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the fight to organize more workers in Texas. Aguilar also discussed the efforts to assist immigrant workers in navigating the immigration process and how a unified labor movement can create legislative changes. 

President of the Transportation Trades Department, Greg Regan, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the first anniversary of the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and what political leaders are doing to create change in the industry. Regan also talked about a letter outlining concerns about a proposal to raise the retirement age for pilots that was sent to all members of Congress.

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 to talk about VA Veterans Centers. Stoffer also discussed the assistance available to veterans at these centers and what the VA’s Readjustment Counseling Services is doing to staff the centers. Stoffer finished his appearance by addressing why younger veterans do not trust the VA like older veterans.

Norm Wernet, State Director for the Ohio Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about efforts to fix the gerrymandered districts in the state. Wernet also talked about the potential attacks on retirement age and the impact these attacks could have on the American population.

Brian Baker, Retired IBEW Policy Director | Elaine Rishovd, Chief Steward, Teamsters Local 120

Retired International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers National Political Director Brian Baker, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his time with the Union from Business Manager at IBEW Local 129 to the Policy Office at the International Office in Washington D.C.

Chief Steward for Teamsters Local 120, Elaine Rishovd, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the six-year contract negotiation with Sun Country Airlines. Rishovd discussed their timeline of events and what the contract that expired in 2018 has done to the workforce.

Jacqueline Simon, Policy Director, AFGE | Dave Wondolowski, Executive Secretary and Business Manager, Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council

Policy Director for the American Federation of Government Employees, Jacqueline Simon, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the latest deadline for spending resolutions that need to be passed by Congress to avoid a government shut down and what that means for AFGE members. She also discussed the Federal Fiscal Commission and why implementing the commission would be a mistake.

Executive Secretary and Business Manager for the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Dave Wondolowski joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Cleveland Port Authority’s decision to overturn Prevailing Wage requirements and the impact that will have on workers in the community. Wondolowski also talked about Acting U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Julie Su’s recent visit to Cleveland to announce the final rule to President Joe Biden’s Executive Order requiring Project Labor Agreements.

Melissa Cropper, President, OFT | U.S. Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17th District)

President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, Melissa Cropper, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about a lack of awareness from Ohio politicians, continuing their momentum from 2023 and organizing librarians across America.

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna of the 17th District in California, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about distractions on Capitol Hill. He also spoke about his concerns for union jobs if the US Steel sale is finalized and why it’s important for auto plants in the South to remain neutral during organizing campaigns.