America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Tim Burga, President, Ohio AFL-CIO | Remembering USW President Tom Conway

President for the Ohio AFL-CIO, Tim Burga, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the upcoming Ohio State Issue 1 vote. Burga also talked about the future of redistricting, and his memories of the late United Steelworkers President, Tom Conway.

In honor of the late United Steelworkers President Tom Conway and long-time friend and supporter of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we wanted to share some clips from his interviews over the last three years.

Bill Londrigan, President, Kentucky AFL-CIO | Ted Pappageorge, Secretary Treasurer, Culinary Workers Union Local 226

The President of the Kentucky AFL-CIO, Bill Londrigan, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about stepping down after leading the state labor federation for 24 years. Londrigan also talked about the state’s relationship with Ford Motor Co. and his hopes for the younger generation of workers.

Secretary-Treasurer of the Culinary Workers United Local 226, Ted Pappageorge, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing negotiations and strike vote for workers on the Las Vegas Strip. Pappageorge also talked about their contract demands and what the strike vote means for negotiations.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month Recap

Throughout September, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast covered different Unions' efforts to provide mental health and suicide prevention awareness to members. We featured several expert guests from various unions and union consultants. On today’s episode, you’ll hear the highlights and takeaways from our expert interviews.

Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director, AFL-CIO | Roy Liggett, Contractor and Retired Pilot, Teamsters Airline Division and Aviation Operation Solutions

Government Affairs Director for the AFL-CIO, Bill Samuel, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the government shutdown and its potential impact on the U.S. economy. Samuel started his discussion by remembering the late United Steelworkers President, Tom Conway.

A retired pilot and contractor for the Teamsters Airline Division, Roy Liggett, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work his company, Aviation Operations Solutions, does to assist in the mental health and well-being of members of the Teamsters Airline Division.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director, Heat and Frost Insulators LMCT | Daniel Graff, Director, Higgins Labor Program of the Center for Social Concerns

Executive Director for the Heat and Frost Insulators Labor Management Cooperation Trust, Pete Ielmini, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act. Ielmini also talked about the ways the LMCT is educating Congress and the work they are doing to bring mental health and suicide prevention awareness and assistance to members of the Insulators Union.

Director of the Higgins Labor Program of the Center for Social Concerns at the University of Notre Dame, Daniel Graff, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the program. Graff also discussed the comparison between UAW President Shawn Fain and former UAW leader Walter Reuther and the true importance of President Joe Biden joining the UAW picket line.

Doreen Greenwald, National President, NTEU | Tom Buffenbarger, Independent Labor Voice

Newly elected National President for the National Treasury Employees Union, Doreen Greenwald, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about her newly elected role and some of the tasks that come with it. Greenwald also talked about the IRS and what a shutdown would look like for thousands of employees.

Independent labor voice Tom Buffenbarger, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the United Autoworkers negotiations with the Big Three Automakers in Detroit. Buffenbarger also discussed the potential government shutdown, and also shared his memories of the Steelworkers Tom Conway following his tragic passing.

Dominique Hamilton, Chief Nurse Rep and ICU Nurse, NNU | Greg Regan, President, TTD

Chief Nurse Representative and ICU Nurse at National Nurses United (NNU), Dominique Hamilton, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ratification of a new contract with St. Mary’s and St. Joseph’s Hospitals in Tucson, Ariz.

President of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD), Greg Regan, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about a recently introduced bill that will help improve the safety of the railroad industry. Regan discussed what needs to change to be considered an improvement and how the industry is helping workers report issues before they become a problem.

Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, Adam Keller | President of United Steelworkers Local 2599, Jerry Green

Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, Adam Keller, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about their live, in-person event, Labor Talk Live. Keller also talked about the information and calls they’ve received from UAW members involved in the strikes and a new segment and newsletter known as Last Week in Southern Labor. 

President of United Steelworkers Local 2599, Jerry Green, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his time with the Steelworkers. Green also gave advice to the younger generation of workers and what he believes is the future of Local 2599.

Arnold Scott, President, AFGE District 6 | Pat Gallagher, President, North Coast Area Labor Council, AFL-CIO

President of District 6 of the American Federation of Government Employees, Arnold Scott, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a possible government shutdown at the end of September. Scott discussed the shutdown costs and the AFGE’s plan to get federal workers help. 

President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and recently retired Sub-District Director for USW District 1, Pat Gallagher, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the indefinite shutdown of several Republic Steel facilities. Gallagher also discussed the announcement that US Steel is searching for a potential buyer and the redistricting conversations in Ohio’s Congress.

Lyn Montgomery, President, TWU Local 556 | Alexandra Jacobi, Director of MAP, Bricklayers Union

Lyn Montgomery, President of the Transport Workers Union of America Local 556, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their ongoing fight for a new contract and the protest being held outside of the Southwest Airlines “Spirit Party” in Denver. Montgomery also talked about the impact the negotiations have had on flight attendants and the perception the public has of working as a Southwest Airlines flight attendant. 

As part of our coverage for National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast was joined by the Director of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Membership Assistance Program (MAP), Alexandra Jacobi. Jacboi discussed the different approach the MAP uses to help members, the stigma in the construction industry around mental health conversations and how it impacts progress.