America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Jeff Horwitz, CEO, SAFE Project | Maida Rosenstein, Organizer, UAW

Chief Executive Officer for the SAFE Project, Jeff Horwitz, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about his journey to the organization, what the organization does and barriers faced when educating workers and leaders on opioid addiction and mental health issues.

An organizer for the United Auto Workers, Maida Rosenstein, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Union’s new contract with the Brooklyn Museum. Rosenstein also discussed the UAW’s campaign during negotiations and some of the wins in the first contract.

Executive Director, North Star Policy Action, Jake Schwitzer | independent labor voice, Tom Buffenbarger

Executive Director of North Star Policy Action, Jake Schwitzer, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the organization's efforts to help the working class people of Minnesota. Schwitzer also discussed a joint report with LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota that highlights contractors being awarded publicly-funded projects with a history of exploiting workers in Minnesota.

An independent labor voice, Tom Buffenbarger, joined the America’s Workforce Union Podcast to talk about the B-29 Bomber and the work the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers did to get the plane from the blueprints to operating in World War II.

National Organizing Director, One Fair Wage, Estefania Galvez | President, TTD, Greg Regan

National Organizing Director for One Fair Wage, Estefania Galvez, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about her path to her current position, what the organization does and it’s plan to enact change.

President of the Transportation Trades Department, Greg Regan, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing battle for rail safety improvements, safety legislation and a high-speed rail system working with unions in California.

Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17th District) | Staff Representative of District 1, USW, Mark Murray

U.S. Representative Ro Khanna of the 17th District in California, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his efforts to bring modern industrial factories back to America. Khanna also discussed Economic Patriotism and how the CHIPS and Science Act can serve as a pathway for the re-industrialization efforts.

Staff Representative of District 1 for the United Steelworkers, Mark Murray, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about Thomas Strip Steel, where Murray started his journey as a steel worker. He also discussed the efforts to develop a modern plant to handle the transition needs for the production of batteries for electrical vehicles.

Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director, AFL-CIO | Mike Muzik, IBEW Local 38, President

Bill Samuel, AFL-CIO Government Affairs Director, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast on Thanksgiving Day and discussed the ongoing funding issues in Congress and what he plans to do to prevent bad policy.

President of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 38, Mike Muzik, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about volunteer work performed by the Local’s members to light up Public Square in downtown Cleveland for the holiday season. Muzik also talked about the increased number of apprentices in their registered apprenticeship program.

Legislative Political Coordinator, Joey Graceffo, Vice President, Bryan Johnson, AFGE Local 3283 | Business Manager for Ironworkers Local 550

Legislative Political Coordinator for AFGE Local 3283, Joey Graceffo, and Vice President of the Local, Bryan Johnson, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the Local handled recent shutdown questions. They also discussed the increasing concerns about the future of AI in the workforce.

Business Manager for Ironworkers Local 550, William (Bill) Sherer II, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his recent election victory to be the next Mayor of Canton, Ohio. Sherer also discussed what it will be like to take part in contract negotiations from the other side of the table, and the ongoing expansion efforts of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Village.

President, Ohio Federation of Teachers, Melissa Cropper | Special Assistant to the President, NABTU, Melissa Wells

President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, Melissa Cropper, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about Columbus’ designation as a workforce hub. Cropper also discussed the OFT’s ongoing battles with the Freedom Foundation and her concern for groups seeking to undermine the educational system in America.

Special Assistant to the President of North America's Building Trades Unions, Melissa Wells, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her work with the trades, the growth she’s seen since joining with NABTU and the upcoming Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference.

Director of the American Legion Media & Communications Division, Jeff Stoffer | Founding director of the Center for Study of Working Class Life at Stony Brook U, Michael Zweig

Director of the American Legion Media & Communications Division, Jeff Stoffer, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the cover story for the upcoming edition of the American Legion Magazine. Stoffer also discussed an interview with the Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Denis Richard McDonough.

Emeritus professor of economics and the founding director of the Center for Study of Working Class Life at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Michael Zweig, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his book “Class, Race, and Gender: Challenging the Injuries and Divisions of Capitalism.”

Director of Education and Training, UA ITF, Ray Boyd | Executive Director, Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans

Director of Education and Training with the United Association International Training Fund, Ray Boyd, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to close National Apprenticeship Week and talk about his journey in the Union, the importance the organizing team plays in growing membership, and the success he’s experienced in 2023 as part of his work with apprentices.

Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, Rich Fiesta, joined the show to discuss his concerns with Congress, the progress of several bills, and a warning about multiple candidates running for office in 2024.

UA VIP Program Manager, Mike Hazard | President of the North Shore AFL-CIO, Pat Gallagher

Program Manager for the United Association’s Veterans in Piping program, Mike Hazard, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his journey to the VIP program. Hazard discussed the early days and struggles to get the program running and what the program offers to active-duty participants. 

President of the North Shore AFL-CIO, Pat Gallagher, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the confrontation in the U.S. Senate this week, a meeting between Ohio’s local AFL-CIO Federations  and he shared stories of his time with the late United Steelworker president, Tom Conway.