America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Pete Ielmini (LMCT) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent Labor Voice)

Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the LMCT’s four-day Firestop Market Recovery Program, which took place in Pennsylvania between members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers and their signatory contractors. He also spoke about the importance of firestop and the recent passing of IAHFIAW General President Emeritus James Grogan, Jr. 

 

Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about a scheduled strike by members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 837 against the Boeing Co. at three locations in the St. Louis area following their rejection of Boeing's latest contract offer.

Samantha Brown (TTD) / Paul Whittingham (AFSCME Local 985)

Paul Whittingham, Region 1 Vice President for American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Florida Council 79 and President of AFSCME Local 985, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how pay for Florida state employees remains uncompetitive compared to the private sector, which has created a worker shortage in state institutions.      

 

Samantha Brown, Communications Director for the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained how the Presidential Emergency Board, recently appointed by President Biden, seeks to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement between the United Rail Unions and the railroads. She also shared some good news from the Federal Transit Administration regarding the classification of worker assault.

Marc Dann (Working Class Perspectives) / Alex Perkins (United Steelworkers)

Marc Dann, a founding partner of Advocate Attorneys and a contributing writer for Working Class Perspectives, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed why Democrats need to improve consumer protection laws and end binding arbitration to help working class families. He also talked about the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act that protects unfair debt collection practices.  

 

United Steelworkers (USW) District 9 Staff Representative Alex Perkins appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about the fight to unionize Kumho Tire and how workers are still negotiating their first contract two years later. He also spoke about Kumho Tire workers’ struggle to get Personal Protection Equipment during Covid.    

Kim Kelly (The Nation Magazine) / Pat Gallagher (NCALF)

Kim Kelly, a contributing writer for The Nation Magazine, joined the AWF Union podcast and discussed the epidemic of black lung disease and its effect on coal mining communities. She also spoke about the Silica Enforcement Initiative, which will hold coal mining companies accountable and help prevent the spread of the illness.  

 

North Coast Area Labor Federation President Pat Gallagher made his regular appearance on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed contract negotiations that are currently taking place in Ohio for the United Steelworkers (USW). He also spoke about the Congressional Steel Caucus and the legislation they seek to enact to benefit the U.S. steel industry.

Richard Loeb (AFGE) / Adam Duininck (North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters)

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Senior Policy Counselor Richard Loeb joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed a successful campaign by the AFGE to prevent the closure of multiple Veterans Affairs medical centers throughout the country. He also talked about the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act and the need to increase the pay of TSA workers.  

    

Adam Duininck, Director of Government Affairs for the North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the alarming prevalence of wage theft in the construction industry. 

Melissa Cropper (Ohio Federation of Teachers) / Chuck Brooky (Liuna Local 758)

Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) President Melissa Cropper joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how leaders at the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Convention collaborated to brainstorm solutions to the nation’s teacher shortage. She also spoke about the AFT’s goal of growing community schools and encouraging more students to go into the trades. 

 

Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 758 Business Manager Chuck Brooky appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the union’s objection to out-of-state non-union workers being hired to decommission an Ohio power plant and the economic impact on the area. 

Frank J. Christensen (IUEC) / Cris Serrano (AFSCME Council 79)

International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) General President Frank J. Christensen joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained how the Union’s efforts to increase safety standards have created a safer work force. 

 

Cris Serrano, Organizing Director at American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 79, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed the Council’s approach to internal and external organizing in Florida.

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 gave an update on the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act that, if passed, would protect veterans exposed to burn pits, radiation and agent orange. He also provided an overview of the August edition of the American Legion Magazine. 

 

The Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about the U.S. Senate budget reconciliation bill and whether or not it will include a provision to allow the government to negotiate the price of prescription drugs under Medicare. He also spoke about another bill called the New Parents Act that could cost families some future Social Security benefits, if passed.

Eric Coons (UA Local 572) / Senator Sherrod Brown / Desiree Hoffman (United Auto Workers)

Eric Coons, Business Manager and Financial Secretary/Treasure of UA Local 572, joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed Amendment One, which would enshrine So-Called “Right to Work” laws in the Tennessee State Constitution. He also spoke about his ambitions to double or triple the Local membership in the next five to 10 years. 

 

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) appeared on the AWF Union podcast and talked about the successful efforts of community leaders and politicians to prevent the closure of 20 Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. He also talked about Ohio pension plans preserved by the American Rescue Plan and gave an update on the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act. 

 

United Auto Workers (UAW) Legislative Representative Desiree Hoffman also made an appearance on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, how it may impact the Intel project in Ohio and her thoughts on why the bill is being held up in Congress. 

David Webster (IUPAT DC 77) / Tony Quillen (IBEW Local 558)

David Webster, Director of Organizing for the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 77, joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed how the IUPAT uses national strategies to organize and target different cities. He also spoke about worker misclassification.   

 

Tony Quillen, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 558, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about how the Local changed its apprenticeship from a five year to a four year program without losing any training hours.