America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Virginia Olsen (Maine Lobstering Union Local 207) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent Labor Voice)

Virginia Olsen, Political Director and Executive Liaison for the Maine Lobstering Union (MLU) Local 207, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how strict fishing regulations to protect a critically endangered whale could jeopardy the Maine lobster industry. She also talked about how offshore wind power could impact the lobster industry, as well.

 

Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the proposal offered by the Presidential Emergency Board to settle the contract negotiation impasse between the railroad industry and its unions. He then discussed a contract ratified by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) Local 175, who are employed at the Harley-Davidson York Pennsylvania Plant.

Scott Paul (AAM) / Greg Regan (Transportation Trades Department)

The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the recent passage of the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) for America Act and explained why this legislation is only the beginning of the policy change needed to revitalize U.S. manufacturing. He also talked about the need to increase the domestic production of batteries for electric vehicles and the need to install charging infrastructure to power the nation’s electric vehicles. 

 

AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and provided an update on the contract negotiation impasse reached by major railroads and their unions, which has been turned over for moderation by President Biden’s Presidential Emergency Board. He also talked about recently announced Federal Transit Administration funding in the Infrastructure Law.

Jeff Stoffer (American Legion) / Rich Fiesta (Alliance for Retired Americans)

Jeff Stoffer, Media and Communications Director for The American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained how the recent passage of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act will improve exposed veterans' access to critical healthcare.  

He also spoke about the upcoming American Legion Legacy Run, which raises scholarship money for the children of disabled veterans or veterans who have been killed in action. 

 

The Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta appeared on the AWF  Union Podcast and spoke about a provision in the recently passed Inflation Reduction Act that allows Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs and the impact this will have on recipients’ healthcare.

Karen Nussbaum (The Nation Magazine) / Pat Gallagher (North Coast Area Labor Federation)

Karen Nussbaum, contributor to The Nation Magazine, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed her recent article, where she surveyed 20 global labor leaders on the many ways the right is threatening organizing efforts and the threat this poses to democracy.

 

North Coast Area Labor Federation President Pat Gallagher made his regular appearance on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about the United Steelworkers 2022 Constitutional Convention, held Aug. 8 to 11 in Las Vegas. He also spoke about the Inflation Reduction Act recently signed by President Biden.

Darryll Bell (AFGE Local 31) / Travis Woodward (CSEA SEIU Local 2001)

Darryll Bell, President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 31, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the need to block a proposed Schedule F employment category that would strip federal employees of their civil service protections. He also spoke about staffing shortages in Veterans Administration facilities and the impact on veteran care.

   

Travis Woodward, President of the Connecticut State Employees Association (CSEA) affiliated with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 2001, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about staffing shortages among state workers in Connecticut, which are estimated to cost taxpayers over $100 million per year. He also discussed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement for CSEA workers.

Melissa Cropper (OFT) / David Cook (UFCW Local 655)

Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) President Melissa Cropper joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed an American Federation of Teachers report about what needs to be done to alleviate the nationwide teacher shortage. She also talked about a Baldwin Wallace University survey that found overwhelming public support for public schools and teachers.

 

United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 655 President David Cook appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the impact of automation on grocery store workers and the displacement of the working class. He highlighted a recently signed Collective Bargaining Agreement for Schnucks union workers.

Brian Erwin (IBEW Local 647) / Nick Brenner (Roofers and Waterproofers Local 96)

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)  Local 647 Business Manager/Financial Secretary Brian Erwin joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained why outside lineman are in high demand and recounted recent recruitment efforts to target high school students. 

 

Roofers and Waterproofers Local 96 Business Agent Nick Brenner appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed the ample work opportunities in the Upper Midwest construction industry and the need for unions to increase recruitment efforts to meet the demand.

Joyce Goldstein (Goldstein & Associates) / Seth Freeman (SEIU 1973)

Seth Freeman, President of the Congress of Connecticut Community Colleges (4Cs) Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 1973, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how the increased use of part-time faculty in community colleges impacts the quality of public higher education.

 

Joyce Goldstein, a labor lawyer from Goldstein & Associates, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained the  Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) she negotiated between the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the Washington Baltimore News Guild Local 32035.

Mike Raikes (IBEW 197) / Josh Nasser (UAW)

Mike Raikes, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 197, joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss a worker rights constitutional amendment on the ballot in Illinois and a new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program.   

 

United Auto Workers (UAW) Legislative Director Josh Nasser appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the impact of the CHIPS and Science and Inflation Reduction Acts on the automotive industry.

Daniel Hicks (Carpenters Local 225) / Joshua Hunter (SMART Local 48)

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 225 Business Representative Daniel Hicks joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed the importance of a tax fraud bill passed in Georgia earlier this year.

 

Joshua Hunter, Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer for Sheet Metal Workers Local 48 appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the need for passage of a Ventilation Verification Program in Alabama.