America’s Work Force Union Podcast

David Van Deusen (Vermont AFL-CIO)

Vermont AFL-CIO President David Van Deusen joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the need to grow the labor movement to give working-class families an active voice in politics. He spoke about the need to support political candidates who advocate for working-class families.

Joe Van Haalen (IAFF Local 4) / Fred Redmond (AFL CIO)

Des Moines Iowa Professional Firefighters Local 4 President Joe Van Haalen joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the heightened cancer risk faced by firefighters on-the-job. He also talked about Fire Prevention Week and the interactions his members have with area school children.

 

AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the need for Congress to renew the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers program. He also discussed the Permission to Dream program, the AFL-CIO’s partnership with the Chris Gardner Foundation and political canvassing efforts.

Gary LaBarbera (New York BCTC) / Desiree Hoffman (UAW)

Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed legislation that, if enacted, would increase financial penalties employers face for workplace fatalities. He also spoke about amendments made last year to New York State’s Wage Protection Act that will hold a general contractor responsible for wage theft violations, rather than subcontractors. 

 

United Auto Workers (UAW) Assistant Legislative Director Desiree Hoffman joined the America’s WorkForce Union Podcast and discussed provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act to boost funding for the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) Loan Program. She also spoke about Domestic Conversion Grants, which help automakers develop greener technology for fuel efficiency. 

   

Rob Larew (National Farmers Union) / Ryan Hanghain (IPFF)

National Farmers Union President Rob Larew joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the need to enforce livestock and agriculture anti-trust laws, as well as provide greater teeth to those efforts through enhanced legislation. 

 

Iowa Professional Firefighters (IPFF) President Ryan Hanghian appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed Fire Prevention Month (observed in October) and the opportunity it gives firefighters to connect with children in the community and educate them on the basics of fire safety. He also talked about a bill being considered by the Iowa State Legislature that, if passed, would expand the firefighters’ pension and disability system.

Frank Mathews (CWA District 4) / Tom Dake II ( LMCT)

Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed Microsoft’s labor neutrality agreement to not oppose unionizing efforts by Activision Blizzard employees after its acquisition of the company is finalized. He also spoke about CWA efforts to educate members about critical political issues and candidates ahead of the midterm elections in November. 

 

During Fire Prevent Week, Tom Dake II, who serves as a Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Trustee and is the Vice-President of Fire and Life Safety Services Division at the Superior Industrial Insulation Company, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained the value of properly installed firestopping materials, which can save lives and protect property.

Jon Alvino (Sheet Metal Workers Local 9) / John Borsos (Sacramento City Teachers Association)

Sheet Metal Workers (SMW) Local 9 Business Manager Jon Alvino joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how legislation passed in Colorado resulted in building trades leaders and contractor associations working together to create the Western States College of Construction, which provides an associate’s degree for apprenticeship training. 

Sacramento City Teachers Association (SCTA) Executive Director John Borsos appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed how an eight-day strike in late March 2022 over teacher shortages resulted in a $47 million fine for the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD) because it did not make up the lost instructional days.

Dorsey Hager (Columbus/Central Ohio BCTC) / Ellen Cassedy (Author)

Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary-Treasurer Dorsey Hager made his monthly appearance on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Intel semiconductor plant groundbreaking ceremony in New Albany, Ohio and the incredible work opportunities the project will bring to members of the area’s building trades.

 

Ellen Cassedy, a founding member of 9to5, the National Association of Women Office Workers,  appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and described how the organization was founded, which inspired the movie “9 to 5” that starred Jane Fonda and featured a Dolly Parton song of the same name.

James Brant (Teamsters Local 651) / Leonard DiCosimo ( AFM Local 4)

Teamsters Local 651 President James Brant joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the Teamsters and the United Parcel Service (UPS) including the must-haves from Teamsters International General President Sean O’Brien. 

     

American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 4 President Leonard DiCosimo appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about the need to pass the American Music Fairness Act. If passed, the bill would ensure performers are compensated when their songs are played on terrestrial radio. He also spoke about the Performing Artist Tax Parity Act and how it would provide better tax exemptions to performers, if passed.

John Morrison (Greater Louisville BCTC) / Russ Jaeger (SMW Local 263)

John Morrison, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of the Greater Louisville Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about Ford’s $5.8 billion electric battery plant being built in Glendale, Ky. and the work it has created in the state. 

 

Sheet Metal Air Rail Transportation (SMART) Local 263 Business Manager Russ Jaeger appeared on the AWF  Union Podcast and how cuts to Iowa’s unemployment benefits will impact exacerbate the state’s construction workers. He also explained how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has created work opportunities in the sheet metal industry.

Tim Burga (Ohio AFL-CIO) / Kevin Sage (East Central IL BCTC)

Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the role organized labor plays in getting the union vote out to the polls. He also talked about the Intel groundbreaking ceremony and the 33rd Biennial Convention of the Ohio AFL-CIO.

 

Kevin Sage, President of the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed Amendment 1, a proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution on the November ballot that would establish employees’ collective bargaining rights.