America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Mike Podhorzer, Policitcal strategist and former senior advisor to President Richard Trumka, AFL-CIO | Tom Buffenbarger, independent labor voice

Former Political Director and senior advisor to Richard Trumka with the AFL-CIO, Mike Podhorzer, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his start in the labor movement and political environment. Podhorzer also discussed Trumka's efforts during Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign and how workers can fight the misinformation being shared with them daily.

Independent Labor Voice, Tom Buffenbarger, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his concerns with Congress, and the significant separation between how states perceive each other. He also shared a warning of what a state shouldn’t do with its tax credits and funding.

Wayne Creasap, Ironworkers, Safety and Health Organizer | Greg Regan, President, TTD

Safety and Health Organizer with Iron Workers International Union, Wayne Creasap, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Ironworkers' focus on safety in the workplace. Creasap outlined the Countdown to Zero initiative, the deadly dozen, and how to assist with safety before the work begins at a site.

President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Greg Regan, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the progress of the Rail Safety Act 2023. Regan talked about safety improvements in the bill and the potential appointment of a new FAA Administrator.

Jeff Stoffer, Director, American Legion Media & Communications | Rich Fiesta, Executive Director, Alliance for Retired Americans

Director for American Legion Media Communications, Jeff Stoffer, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the articles in the upcoming issue of the American Legion Magazine.

Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, Rich Fiesta, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the recent COLA adjustment for those receiving Social Security benefits and a way to improve COLA adjustment calculations in the future for retirees.

Leila Grothe, Associate Curator of Contemporary Art, Baltimore Museum of Arts Union | Davida Russell, Executive Secretary, North Coast Area Labor Federation

Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at the Baltimore Museum of Arts, Leila Grothe, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the formation of the Baltimore Museum of Arts Union, a new member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Cultural Workers United.

Executive Secretary of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, Davida Russell, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her position on Ohio’s newly created school bus safety committee. Russell discussed her initial reaction to the governor’s appointment and what the goals and process will look like for the committee.

Darryll Bell, President, AFGE Local 31 | Charles Straley, Building Futures, Ironworkers Local 172

President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 31, Daryll Bell, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the extended deadline for appropriation approvals to be made. Bell also talked about the issues preventing appropriation bills from being approved and the fight for funding VA hospitals.

A perfect example of what a successful worker from a registered pre-apprenticeship program can be, Charles Straley, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his journey from prison to the middle class with the help of the Building Futures Program.

Melissa Cropper, President, OFT | Baldemar Velasquez, President and Founder, Farm Labor Organizing Committee

President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, Melissa Cropper, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about updates in the decision-making process for the state’s educational system and the increased discussions around banned book lists during Banned Book Week.

In honor of National Farmers Day, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast checked in with the President and Founder of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee, Baldemar Velasquez. Velasquez talked about his life growing up in a migrant family, the work FLOC does for farm workers and the issues with organizing in the agricultural industry.

Brent Taylor, Secretary-Treasurer Teamsters Local 745 and Teamsters IVP of the Southern Region | Andrew Strom, Labor Lawyer

Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 745 and Teamsters International Vice President of the Southern Region, Brent Taylor, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed his time with the union. Taylor also talked about the new contract at Solvay and the aftermath of the Yellow Freight bankruptcy.

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed back Labor Lawyer and OnLabor contributor Andrew Strom, who talked about the changes National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo wants to make to labor law. Strom outlined issues with several NLRB orders and explained why changes need to be made to them.

Zeph Capo, Texas AFT, President | Dan Loudermilk, IAM District Lodge 4, Business Representative

President of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, Zeph Capo, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing battle over school vouchers. Capo talked about the state senate's proposed voucher program and what the state has already experienced with a voucher program.

Business Representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District Lodge 4, Dan Loudermilk, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the strike at the Woodland Pulp facility in Baileyville, Maine. Loudermilk discussed the workers involved with the strike and issues with negotiations.

James Glimco, Teamsters Local 777, President | David Green, Director, UAW Region 2B

President of Teamsters Local 777, James Glimco, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organizing and contract wins they’ve had in the cannabis industry. Glimco also talked about the issues with organizing a newer industry and briefly discussed the history of organizing in his family dating back to his grandfather's time as a newspaper boy in Chicago.

Director of United Autoworkers District 2B, David Green, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing strike with Big Three automakers in Detroit. Green discussed the issues facing Locals with a split workforce and what including battery plants in the national agreement means for the future of auto workers.

Travis Parsons, LHSFNA, Director of Occupational Safety & Health | Bruce Davis, AFSCME Local 2406, President

Director of Occupational Safety and Health with the Laborers Health and Safety Fund of North America, Travis Parsons, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss National Protect Your Hearing Month. Parsons talked about the warning signs for hearing damage and ways to protect against it.

President of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2406, Bruce Davis, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the unique job fair held in Oklahoma City for former Teamster drivers employed by Yellow Freight. Davis also discussed how they were able to accomplish the one-day job fair and the impact it’s had on the city’s job openings.