America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Thomas Fisher (SMART Local 441) / Ryan Bennett (UA Local 174)

Thomas Fisher, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of Sheet Metal Workers Local 441,  joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how supply chain shortages have caused a decrease in the work hours of his membership. He also spoke about how the skillset of sheet metal workers help them adapt to new work opportunities with their craft. 

 

UA Local 174 Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer Ryan Bennett appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the struggle to elect more union-friendly politicians to the Michigan legislature in an effort to rescind So-Called “Right to Work” laws that were enacted in 2013.

Nate O’Reilly (Southeastern Minnesota BCTC) / Teresa Cassady (USW)

Southeastern Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council President Nate O’Reilly joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed recruitment efforts by Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) and the busy work outlook - especially in downtown Rochester.  

 

United Steelworkers (USW) District 1 Assistant Director Teresa Cassady appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about efforts by the USW leadership to get out the vote ahead of the midterm elections. She also shared her memories of a lockout at the Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. in 2011.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO)/Andy Campeau (Duluth BCTC )

Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director for the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained the need for Congress to renew funding for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Workers program during its lame-duck session following the midterm elections. He also talked about the need to increase funding to the National Labor Relations Board and shared his thoughts on the upcoming General Election.

 

Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council President Andy Campeau appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed the robust workload within the DBCTC jurisdiction, as the vast majority of projects are covered under Project Labor Agreements (PLAs).

Pete Ielmini (LMCT) / Wes Trotterchaud (Teamsters Local 519)

Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Tax Deduction, which provides tax rebates to building owners who make energy efficiency improvements to their buildings, including the installation of mechanical insulation. He also spoke about the importance of fire stop and smoke seal inspections.

 

Teamsters Local 519 President and Business Manager Wes Trotterchaud appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained the need to defeat Amendment 1, which if passed, would enshrine So-Called “Right to Work” laws in the Tennessee state constitution.

Scott Paul (AAM) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent Labor Voice)

The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how China's military China's military obtained stolen U.S. technology to develop its hypersonic missile program and the Biden administration’s efforts to clamp down on technology theft. He also spoke about the next step to optimize the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act to reinvest in domestic manufacturing.

 

Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and detailed why the oppressive attendance policies of the railroads may lead to a nationwide railway strike. He also talked about a successful strike in Sidney, N.Y., for approximately 700 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1529 (District 15).

Michael Hess (IW Local 7) / Greg Regan (TTD)

Ironworkers Local 7 Business Manager Michael Hess joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the mental health services available for union members through Employee Assistance Programs, including the service they use, Modern Assistance. He also talked about the booming workload within his jurisdiction and his relationship with U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.   

 

AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained why he believes the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the most pro-worker infrastructure law ever passed by Congress. He also provided an update on the tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) being considered for ratification by 12 railroad unions.

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

Matt Grills, Managing Editor of The American Legion Magazine, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the November issue. He spoke about articles that explore the global history of war crimes, the establishment of the Vietnam War Memorial and efforts to award the Medal of Honor to Navy Lt. Royce Williams, who downed four Russian MiG-15s during a dogfight in the Korean War.

 

The Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act that Republicans have vowed to repeal if they take control of Congress in the November midterm elections. He also explained why Medicare premiums will decrease and the 8.7 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to Social Security benefits – the largest increase since 1981.

Dennis Pierce (BLET) / Pat Gallagher (North Coast Area Labor Federation)

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen National President Dennis Pierce joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) under consideration by the 12 railroad unions and explained what could happen if any of the unions fail to ratify the CBA.

North Coast Area Labor Federation President Pat Gallagher made his regular appearance on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and the United Steelworkers (USW).

Laurie Glicker (AFGE Local 3283) /Barry Davies (IW Local 512)

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3283 Executive Vice President Laurie Glicker joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how technology is doing the work of the members of her Local who work in the Defense Finance Accounting Service (DFAS) and forced those members to retrain for new positions. She also spoke about a change in telework policy for federal employees.

 

Barry Davies, Business Manager and Financial Secretary/Treasurer of Ironworkers Local 512, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained how members of the Local paid off $10 million in debt taken out to build several training centers. He also talked about how Local Union leaders made tough decisions to improve the fiscal health of the Local’s retirement fund.

Melissa Cropper (Ohio Federation of Teachers) / John Hodge (UA Local 55)

Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) President Melissa Cropper joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed a bill in the Ohio Senate that, if passed, would allow veterans to become public school teachers without a teaching degree. She also talked about several races on Ohio’s upcoming General Election ballot. 

 

Plumbers Local 55 Business Representative John Hodge appeared on the AWF Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the busy workload in the Greater Cleveland area and the need to grow the Local’s apprenticeship program to help meet the demand. He also shared his own journey on why he decided to join the trades.