America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director, CWA District 4 | Adam Keller, co-host of TVLR and member of IATSE Local 900

The Administrative Director of the Communication Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Richard L. Trumka PRO Act, the BEAD program and the one-year anniversary of the strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

In honor of International Stage Management Day, co-host of the Valley Labor Report and member of the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 900, Adam Keller, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his work as an IATSE stagehand and the safety measures taken for each gig.

Senator Sherrod Brown | Sarah Lazare, Editor for Workday Magazine, Contributor for The Nation | Marjorie Kelly, Senior Fellow, Democracy Collective

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need for more worker protections in the textile and electric vehicle production industries. Sen. Brown also talked about the issues in the House and what could be done to come to a resolution.

Editor from Workday Magazine and contributor to The Nation, Sarah Lazare, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her recent article about the daily pain and suffering of auto assembly line workers. Lazare also discussed the issues with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s reporting methods concerning workplace injuries.

Senior Fellow for the Democracy Collaborative, Marjorie Kelly, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the organization and what they do to help improve the workforce. Kelly also discussed the change in how workers were excluded from the operation of a business and the need for corporations to evolve.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasure, C/COBCTC | Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO

Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council, Dorsey Hager, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the recent visit from Senior Advisor to President Biden Tom Perez. Hager also discussed the Town Hall meeting Perez hosted and the progress of a few megaprojects in Central Ohio.

Secretary-Treasurer for the AFL-CIO, Fred Redmond, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to remember the late President of the United Steelworkers, Tom Conway. Redmond also talked about a report released by the AFL-CIO on former president Trump and the budget issues in Congress.

Chuck Stiles, Director of Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division, Teamsters | Robert Espinoza, Executive Vice President, PHI

Director of the Solid Waste and Recycling Division for the Teamsters, Chuck Stiles, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the record-setting contract workers at Waste Management in Chicago just approved. Stiles also talked about the work done by the Division and what this contract means for other disposal workers in the Chicagoland area.

Executive Vice President of Policy for PHI, Robert Espinoza, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the work they do for direct care workers. Espinoza also discussed enhancing support for immigrant direct care workers and the economic impact that these workers could have on America.

Tim Burga, President, Ohio AFL-CIO | Remembering USW President Tom Conway

President for the Ohio AFL-CIO, Tim Burga, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the upcoming Ohio State Issue 1 vote. Burga also talked about the future of redistricting, and his memories of the late United Steelworkers President, Tom Conway.

In honor of the late United Steelworkers President Tom Conway and long-time friend and supporter of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we wanted to share some clips from his interviews over the last three years.

Bill Londrigan, President, Kentucky AFL-CIO | Ted Pappageorge, Secretary Treasurer, Culinary Workers Union Local 226

The President of the Kentucky AFL-CIO, Bill Londrigan, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about stepping down after leading the state labor federation for 24 years. Londrigan also talked about the state’s relationship with Ford Motor Co. and his hopes for the younger generation of workers.

Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Workers United Local 226, Ted Pappageorge, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing negotiations and strike vote for workers on the Las Vegas Strip. Pappageorge also talked about their contract demands and what the strike vote means for negotiations.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month Recap

Throughout September, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast covered different Unions' efforts to provide mental health and suicide prevention awareness to members. We featured several expert guests from various unions and union consultants. On today’s episode, you’ll hear the highlights and takeaways from our expert interviews.

Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director, AFL-CIO | Roy Liggett, Contractor and Retired Pilot, Teamsters Airline Division and Aviation Operation Solutions

Government Affairs Director for the AFL-CIO, Bill Samuel, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the government shutdown and its potential impact on the U.S. economy. Samuel started his discussion by remembering the late United Steelworkers President, Tom Conway.

A retired pilot and contractor for the Teamsters Airline Division, Roy Liggett, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work his company, Aviation Operations Solutions, does to assist in the mental health and well-being of members of the Teamsters Airline Division.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director, Heat and Frost Insulators LMCT | Daniel Graff, Director, Higgins Labor Program of the Center for Social Concerns

Executive Director for the Heat and Frost Insulators Labor Management Cooperation Trust, Pete Ielmini, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act. Ielmini also talked about the ways the LMCT is educating Congress and the work they are doing to bring mental health and suicide prevention awareness and assistance to members of the Insulators Union.

Director of the Higgins Labor Program of the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame, Daniel Graff, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the program. Graff also discussed the comparison between UAW President Shawn Fain and former UAW leader Walter Reuther and the true importance of President Joe Biden joining the UAW picket line.

Doreen Greenwald, National President, NTEU | Tom Buffenbarger, Independent Labor Voice

Newly elected National President for the National Treasury Employees Union, Doreen Greenwald, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about her newly elected role and some of the tasks that come with it. Greenwald also talked about the IRS and what a shutdown would look like for thousands of employees.

Independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the United Autoworkers negotiations with the Big Three Automakers in Detroit. Buffenbarger also discussed the potential government shutdown, and also shared his memories of the Steelworkers Tom Conway following his tragic passing.