America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Baldemar Velasquez, FLOC | DW Gibson, 25 years after Seattle’s WTO protests

Baldemar Velasquez, President of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee (FLOC), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the history of organizing agricultural workers in America and why it’s been more difficult than any other industry. He also talked about the law that goes into effect today, Aug. 29, that will help farm workers to organize.

DW Gibson, author of One Week to Change the World, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his book about Seattle’s 1999 World Trade Organization protests and the impact unions had on the protests.

Pete Ielmini, LMCT | Angela Ferritto, PA AFL-CIO and Union Energy

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Insulators Member Assistance Program (IMAP) and how it will help members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. He also discussed why mechanical insulation can help address many of the environmental issues around the world and then provided an update on the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (FMIA).

Angela Ferritto, President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO and Union Energy, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey in the labor movement and how that has helped her provide educational opportunities to women in the unions across Pennsylvania. She also discussed Union Energy and providing families a pathway to join a union and enjoy the union benefits during the transition to renewable energy.

Tamara McCollough, IUOE Local 150 & III FFC | Tom Buffenbarger

Tamara McCollough, DEI Outreach Associate with the Indiana, Illinois, Iowa Foundation for Fair Contracting (III FFC) and a seasonal instructor with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 Apprenticeship and Skill Improvement Program (ASIP), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss getting more women involved in the trades and how unions can improve the long-term sustainability of this initiative. McCollough also discussed how Tradeswomen Build Nations (TWBN) has helped empower women in the trades.

Tom Buffenbarger, retired International President of the International Association of Machinists and Allied Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union workers being locked out by two Canadian rail companies. He also discussed a defense industrial training program and what it means for unions to be involved with the political process.

Jon Schleuss, The NewsGuild-CWA | Greg Regan, TTD

Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-Communications Workers of America (TNG-CWA), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the National Labor Relations Board filing an injunction on behalf of striking Pittsburgh Post-Gazette workers. He also discussed an organizing campaign with in-house staff at 32BJ Service Employees International Union and a potential unfair labor practice (ULP) strike by Law360 Union.

Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his speech during the Democratic National Convention. Regan also spoke about a power outage that stopped trains in the Northeast Corridor and two Canadian rail companies locking out union workers.

Adam Keller, TVLR.fm | Charleeka Thompson, USW NextGen

Adam Keller, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report (TVLR), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what he’s learned while supporting the Communications Workers of America District 3 strike at AT&T across the Southeast. He also talked about his work with the North Alabama Area Labor Council and then gave an overview of their segment, Boss Watch.

Charleeka Thompson, Director of the Next Generation Program (NextGen) for the United Steelworkers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the USW is working to engage a younger generation of union members. She also talked about the renewed vigor behind the program’s outreach efforts and where she envisions the program in the future.

Dan Poteet, Insulators Local 50 | Dustin Reinstedler, KY AFL-CIO

Dan Poteet, Business Manager of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 50, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for his members, the Local’s work outlook in Central Ohio and growing membership by recruiting more women and minority members.

Dustin Reinstedler, President of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his career in the labor movement and what led him to want to seek leadership roles. He also discussed the importance of union solidarity in the state and what is being done with school counselors to improve the pathway to the trades.

Jacqueline Simon, AFGE | James Glimco, Teamsters Local 777

Jacqueline Simon, Policy Director for the American Federation of Government Employees, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the AFGE National Convention and the potential impact Project 2025 could have on federal employees.

James Glimco, President of Teamsters Local 777 in Lyons, Ill., joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about organizing cannabis dispensaries in Chicagoland and why employees in the industry face working conditions similar to those found in startup companies.

Melissa Cropper, OFT | Jonathan Rosenblum and Ebony Echevarria Amazon Division IBT

Jonathan Rosenblum, a labor organizer, and Ebony Echevarria, an Amazon Delivery Driver, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss ongoing negotiations with Amazon and what the workers are trying to earn through a first contract.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers and Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast from the Democratic National Convention. She discussed two new library organizing campaigns and a potential teacher’s strike in Lordstown, Ohio.

Sara Dorner, Rockford United Labor | Merrilee Logue, NLO, Duncan Lawson, BCBSA

Sara Dorner, President of Rockford United Labor, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how unions can become more accessible to women and improve relationships with their local community.

Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield National Labor Office, and Duncan Lawson, Director of Market Intelligence for Government Programs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the healthcare landscape and options available to union members as they approach retirement.

Jeff Stoffer, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Alliance for Retired Americans

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the September edition of the American Legion Magazine. He also discussed the 2024 Military Life Cycle and Transition Summit. 

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and gave an update on prescription drug costs under the Inflation Reduction Act. Fiesta also discussed a letter from two U.S. Senators about the Social Security Fairness Act and the voting record for Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz, who previously served in Congress.