America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Jason Walsh, Director, BlueGreen Alliance | Kelly Dierkes, President and business agent, Ironworkers Local 549

Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, Jason Walsh, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his previous work with labor and the White House. Walsh also discussed the need for union jobs in the green energy transition and taking advantage of the targeted industrial policies coming out of Washington D.C.

President and Business agent from Iron Workers Local 549, Kelly Dierkes, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the amount of bridge work coming into the Northern Appalachia region from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Dierkes also discussed the importance of educating the public on unions and provided updates on legislation that could impact unions in West Virginia.

Tim Burga, President, Ohio AFL-CIO | Adam Keller, Co-Host, Valley Labor Report

Tim Burga, Ohio AFL-CIO President, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and detailed Ohio’s union density stats, an update on the “People not Politicians” campaign to fix the gerrymandered voting districts and updates from the state Senate. 

Adam Keller, Co-Host of the Valley Labor Report, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss organizing at Alabama Arise. Keller also discussed union density increases across the South and what to expect when the state legislature returns to session.

Ryan Durr and Tahlia Segura, Spokespersons, SAM VSO Union | Pat Hook, Business Manager, IBEW Local 683

Ryan Durr and Tahlia Segura, spokespeople for the Seattle Art Museum Visitor Security Officers Union (SAM VSO), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their journey to forming a union. They also spoke about the reason for being an independent union and some of the main issues they want to fix with a first contract.

Business Manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 683, Patrick Hook, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the updates to the Local 683 apprenticeship program and the new training methods taught at the training center to address the transition to green energy.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, C/CO BCTC | Fred Redmond, Secretary Treasurer, AFL-CIO

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the out-of-town construction manager hired for to oversee work at John Glenn Columbus International Airport that refuses to sign a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the kick-off events he’s attended to begin Black History Month. Redmond also discussed migrant workers and Liz Schuler’s Year of Labor 2023 article.

Eddie Hall, National President, BLET | Tim Smith, Director of Region 8, UAW

National President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Eddie Hall, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the growing concerns with the rail industry one year after the tragic events in East Palestine, Ohio. Hall also discussed the impact Precision Railroading has had on the industry and what he believes needs to be done to improve railway safety.

Director of Region 8 in the United Autoworkers, Tim Smith, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing organizing campaigns at auto plants in the South. Smith outlined the workers’ desire to seek union representation and how the UAW has had a long-standing relationship with auto workers in the South.

Brian O’Donnell, President, UCA NJIT | Chris Rosell, Director of Organizing, Teamsters

Brian O’Donnell, President of the United Council for Academics at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, an affiliate of the American Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the 18-month fight for new contracts with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). O’Donnell talked about the delay tactics utilized by the university and how they received assistance from the Rutgers University union faculty and staff to earn their new contracts.

Director of Organizing for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chris Rosell, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the coalition of unions working to unionize the workforce at Delta Airlines. Rosell also discussed the UPS contract agreement and how the organizing team worked tirelessly to get members involved in the process.

Andrew Spar, President, FEA | Rob Monak, Director of Workforce Development and Organizing, Ironworkers Local 55

Andrew Spar, the President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the issues plaguing public sector unions in Florida. Spar also talked about the impact of Senate Bill 256 and an active campaign to decertify the United Teachers of Dade.

Director of Workforce Development and Organizing for Ironworkers Local 55 in Toledo, Ohio, Rob Monak, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Local’s organizing success in 2023. Monak also talked about what it means to stay relevant in the region and the work outlook for the next few years.

Merrilee Logue, Executive Director, National Labor Office | Nick Prather, Business Agent, Teamsters Local 100

Merrilee Logue, the Executive Director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield National Labor Office (NLO), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the NLO, her journey to leading the union-focused organization and how they ensure it provides the best solutions for all union members.

Business Agent for Teamsters Local 100, Nick Prather, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about Local 100, and their organizing win that led to a first contract for a group of DHL workers at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Prather also discussed the Unfair Labor Practices filed against DHL during the campaign and what it took to finally get a first contract after 6 months of negotiations.

Tony Cardwell, General President, BMWED-Teamsters | Donnie Blatt, Director, USW District 1

President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, Tony Cardwell, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the issues with the main rail companies and how their actions help create a staffing shortage in the rail industry. Cardwell also talked about the win for workers as a majority now receive paid sick leave.

Director of District 1 of the United Steelworkers, Donnie Blatt, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a new organizing initiative in his District and how it could improve trust with potential members.

Bill Samuel, Director of Government Affairs, AFL-CIO | Bob Towslee, Business Manager, Machinists Local 1363

Bill Samuel, Director of Government Affairs for the AFL-CIO joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing issues with Congress failing to agree on a 2024 federal budget. Samuel also talked about the previous government shutdown and the internal strife for the U.S. House of Representatives Republican majority.

Business Manager for International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1363, Bob Towslee, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the strike at Valley Ford and the threat workers face on their pensions.