America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Tim Burga, President, President, Ohio AFL-CIO | Matt Schlobohm, Executive Director, Maine AFL-CIO

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about Ohio’s upcoming special election. Burga discussed the importance of maintaining the current approval procedure and some changes to be aware of when voting.

Executive Director of the Maine AFL-CIO, Matt Schlobohm, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent legislature passed that will impact the future of work and union jobs in Maine. Schlobohm also talked about efforts to grow their pre-apprenticeship program that targets underrepresented residents.

Stacey White and Vaughn Benton, Bargaining Committee Members, 1199SEIU Florida | Brent Booker, General President, LIUNA

Stacey White, a Speech Therapist, and Vaughn Benton, a Pharmacy Manager, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about their work as bargaining committee members for 1199SEIU Florida negotiating a new contract with HCA Healthcare. White and Benton talked about the staffing crisis and the failings of the current operations at hospitals run by HCA.

General President of LIUNA, Brent Booker, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his short time in charge. Booker also talked about the workers who repaired Interstate 95 in record time and his plans for the future of the Union.

Tony Reardon, National President, NTEU | Donnie Blatt, Director, USW District 1

Tony Reardon, the National President of the National Treasury Employees Union, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his upcoming retirement. Reardon shared highlights from his time in charge and moments that had a lasting impact on him.

Director of the United Steelworkers District 1, Donnie Blatt joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Ohio’s special election in August. Blatt also talked about the work the rapid response team is doing to educate registered voters and the cost to Ohio taxpayers to hold this special election.

Bill Samuel, Director of Government Affairs, AFL-CIO | Mark Clements, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Maritime Trades Department

Bill Samuel, Director of Government Affairs for the AFL-CIO joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the increase of misinformation being shared with American citizens about the economy. Samuel also talked about the shift away from the debt ceiling agreement by Republicans in the House of Representatives and an update on Julie Su’s confirmation battle.

Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Maritime Trades Department, Mark Clements joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss efforts to reactivate Port Maritime Councils that went inactive during the pandemic and his journey to his new position with the MTD.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director, LMCT | Rob Wilson, employment trends expert

Pete Ielmini, the Executive Director for the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act being introduced by Congress. Ielmini also shared details about the funding impact of the bill and other initiatives including the Insulators' efforts to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

An employment trends expert, Rob Wilson, joined the America’s Work Force Union to discuss the growing trend of child labor law violations. Wilson also talked about the 10 states that rolled back child labor protections and issues minors face in the workplace.

Andrew Spar | Florida Education Association | President | Scott Slawson | UE Local 506 | President

Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the fight over African American studies in Florida’s curriculum and a recent bump in membership thanks to an attack on teachers.

Scott Slawson, United Electrical Workers Local 506 President, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and announced Local 506 members who work at Wab-Tec have gone on strike after management’s refusal to pay employees what they believe is deserved compensation.

Tony Cardwell, Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters | Tom Buffenbarger

Tony Cardwell, President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance Way Employees Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (BMWE) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about railroad industry safety. Cardwell discussed the fight by railroad workers for sick leave and how his path to join the union can be used to teach recruiters an important lesson. 

Independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger joined the America’s Work Force Union podcast and discussed the importance of the Buy American Act and how it could impact the supply chain. Buffenbarger also spoke about the proposed $100 million cuts to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

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

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the Amercia’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained how Task Force Movement is partnering with the Teamsters Union to help veterans obtain CDLs. He also spoke about work by the Legion to help veterans receive their disability benefits.

Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed ongoing staffing issues at nursing homes throughout the U.S. Fiesta also talked about nursing home staffing regulations in individual states and the fight to decrease the cost of prescription drugs.

Tom Strickland, Secretary-Treasurer, Dan Boley, Business Agent, Teamsters Local 662 | Leonard DiCosimo, Executive Secretary, North Shore AFL-CIO

Tom Strickland, Secretary-Treasurer, and Dan Boley, Business Agent for Teamsters Local 662, joined the America’s Work Force Union and spoke about the reactions by different groups to a strike at the Leinenkugel plant in Wisconsin. They also discussed a strike at New Dairy Select Milk and explained the importance of community support and how it gives the striking workers leverage at the bargaining table.

Executive Secretary of the North Shore AFL-CIO, Leonard DiCosimo, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about Ohio’s August Special Election and Issue 1. He also discussed a new Collective Bargaining Agreement for members of the American Federation of Musicians Local 4 with the Playhouse Square Foundation and the AFM Union’s new leadership.

Rich Couture, President, AFGE Council 215 | Blue Wilson, Vice President, SOAR

Rich Couture, President of the American Federation of Government Employees Council 215, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed AFGE Council 215 and their push to reach a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Social Security Administration.

Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees Vice President Blue Wilson joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0. Wilson also spoke about his experiences regarding offshoring and how the bill will protect production jobs.