America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Brian Aldes, Secretary-Treasurer, Teamsters Local 320 | Emily Drabinski, President, American Library Association

Teamsters Local 320 Secretary-Treasurer Brian Aldes appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Local’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Aldes also talked about the Local Union and the wins it gained within its recently ratified contract.

Emily Drabinski, President of the American Library Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the ALA and attacks on libraries across America. Drabinski also spoke about the Unite Against Book Bans campaign and a tool kit for patrons to support their local library.

J.D. Thompson, Executive Vice President, CWA Local 2001 | Tim Tayloe, President, UAW Local 833

J.D. Thompson, Executive Vice President for the Communication Workers of America Local 2001, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed ongoing contract negotiations with Frontier Communications. Thompson also addressed fiber expansion in the area and the potential of a strike.

United Auto Workers Local 833 President Tim Tayloe joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the Local’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Kohler Company. Tayloe also spoke about his time with the union and his predictions for what the future holds for Local 833.

Maryland State Senator Cory McCray, Executive Board, IBEW Local 24 | Greg Christy, President, Ironworkers Great Lakes District Council

Maryland State Sen. and Executive Board member of IBEW Local 24, Cory McCray, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his journey from making bad decisions, to becoming a union man and now a member of the Maryland State Senate. McCray also talked about the importance of engaging in politics as a union member and what he’s been able to do as a union man and politician.

President of the Ironworkers Great Lakes District Council, Greg Christy, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the counciland their efforts to recruit and develop new members through their apprenticeship programs.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director, CWA D4 | Jason Shedlock, President, Maine Building and Construction Trades Council

Administrative Director of the Communication Workers of America District 4, Frank Mathews, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Ohio special election and some changes voters need to know before heading to the polls. Mathews also discussed the union’s efforts to save a call center in Michigan.

Jason Shedlock, President of the Maine Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new bill introducing Project Labor Agreements for offshore wind farm development in Maine. Shedlock also talked about a new training center opened by LIUNA and the importance of organizing the new offshore wind industry now.

Michael Shields, Senior Researcher and Economist, Policy Matters Ohio | Leonard Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer, Texas AFL-CIO

Michael Shields, a Senior Researcher and Economist for Policy Matters Ohio, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need to pay Ohio workers a living wage. Shields also talked about some occupations guilty of underpaying workers and what the state of Ohio could do to provide workers with safe and livable employment.

Newly re-elected Secretary-Treasurer for the Texas AFL-CIO, Leonard Aguilar, joined the America’s Work Force Union podcast to talk about the state eliminating mandatory heat breaks for construction workers in Texas. Aguilar also discussed the need to overturn the state law and an update on the Texas AFL-CIO.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Columbus/Central Ohio BCTC | Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building Construction and Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the North Market Tower project. Hager also discussed the National Maintenance Board, the importance of National Maintenance Agreements and outreach at the Ohio State Fair.

Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, Fred Redmond, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for another installment of First Friday with Fred. Redmond discussed the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement conference, an update on Julie Su’s nomination status for Labor Secretary and the first United Steelworker Health Care Workers Council Conference since 2017.

Adam Keller, Co-host and Political Coordinator, The Valley Labor Report and IATSE Local 900 | Dave Jamieson, Labor Reporter, Huffpost

Adam Keller, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report and Political Coordinator/Trustee for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 900 joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss TVLR’s surge in listenership and their outreach activities. Keller also discussed a piece of legislation he helped create to expand Medicaid coverage in Alabama, as well as redistricting in Alabama and the decision on Space Command.

Labor Reporter for the HuffPost, Dave Jamieson, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his recent five-part series on the actions of union persuasion firms called “The Persuaders.” Jamieson discussed one occurrence from his series about a persuader in Missouri and shared the reaction to the series so far.

Dave Tocco, USW Local 2958, President | Anthony Fresina, LIUNA Local 190, Business Manager

Dave Tocco, President of the United Steelworkers Local 2958 in Kokomo, Ind., joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new 5-year deal for members working at Haynes International. Tocco also talked about the support from the community and the impact their possible strike had on negotiations.

Business Manager of LIUNA Local 190 in Glenmont, N.Y., Anthony Fresina, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the summer of recruitment occurring in the region. Fresina also discussed the shovel-ready projects needing workers now, and the efforts by the training facilities to keep up with current and future worker demands.

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.