America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director, LMCT | Francis Eanes, Executive Director, Maine Labor Climate Council

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss potential labor shortages in the construction industry. Ielmini also discussed the status of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Bill and the importance of programs like Helmets to Hardhats.

Executive Director of the Maine Labor Climate Council Francis Eanes, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the council’s role in the energy transition in Maine. Eanes also discussed what it’s like to organize an industry in its infancy and the importance of working with already established industries to make offshore wind a welcomed addition in Maine.

Maggie Hansford, President, PWEA | Tom Buffenbarger, Independent Labor Voice

President of the Prince William Education Association, Maggie Hansford, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent collective bargaining agreement that helped create the largest public sector union in Virginia’s history. Hansford also discussed the difficulties they faced and the preparation for their first contract negotiations.

Independent labor voice, Tom Buffenbarger, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast where he discussed the attacks on child labor laws in various states. Buffenbarger also discussed the battle for rail workers’ benefits and the national debt ceiling debate.

Ken Hall, President, Teamsters Local 175 | Greg Regan, President, Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO

Ken Hall, President of Teamsters Local 175 joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing contract negotiations at Coca-Cola Consolidated Inc. Hall outlined the reason behind stopping the strike before their grievances could be addressed by Coca-Cola Consolidated. He also discussed the current negotiations, where they are at in the process and what some of the items their hoping to see improved in a new contract.

President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Greg Regan joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the TTD’s Executive Committee Meeting. Regan also discussed the growing concerns surrounding rail safety and the Rail Safety Bill that could improve rail safety if passed.

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications Division, American Legion | Rich Fiesta, Executive Director, 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 upcoming June edition of the American Legion Magazine. Stoffer talked about the magazine article about the United States military branches struggling to meet their recruitment quotas. He also discussed some of the ways veterans are finding work and help after their service and the four-part documentary series leading up to Memorial Day.

Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans Rich Fiesta, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss state taxation of Social Security benefits and the Alliance’s efforts to eliminate state taxes on the funds received from Social Security. Fiesta also discussed the ongoing debt ceiling conversation, adding context to some of the recent proposed budget cuts.

Len Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer, Texas AFL-CIO | Davida Russell, Secretary-Treasurer, NCALF

Len Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer for the Texas AFL-CIO joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ending of the current Texas Congressional Session and bills they are tracking that could impact union members in the state. Aguilar went into detail on the potential bills and discussed the work by a bipartisan water caucus to repair the issues with the water delivery system.

Secretary-Treasurer of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO Davida Russell, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work being done to assist area educators. Russell, who is also a Cleveland Heights City Council member, then discussed upcoming events to help residents become homeowners.

Laurie Glicker, Executive Vice President, AFGE Local 3283 | Amy Tracy Wells, Professor, Rutgers University

Laurie Glicker, Executive Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3283 joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the possible impact of the federal government not increasing the national debt ceiling. Glicker also discussed the implementation of artificial intelligence and some of the potential threats government workers could face.

Labor Studies and Employment Relations Lecturer at Rutgers University Amy Tracy Wells, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the North American Building Trades Unions study on diversity, equity and inclusion in both union and non-union construction workers. Wells discussed the specifics of the study and provided explanations on the number of women in unions.

Melissa Cropper, President, Ohio Federation of Teachers | Hattie Adams, President, CSEA Unit 9200

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the recent passage of Senate Joint Resolution 2 in Ohio. She also addressed positive movement for the Fair School Funding Plan, changes made to the voucher program and organization efforts at the KIPP School in Columbus.

Civil Service Employees Association Unit 9200 President Hattie Adams appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about a new five-year Collective Bargaining Agreement recently ratified by members. She explained the difference between this contract and previous contracts, plus the difficulties Unit 9200 faced during the pandemic.

Judy Danella, President, USW Local 4-200 | Todd Vachon, Assistant Professor of Labor Studies and Employment Relations, Rutgers AAUP-AFT

Judy Danella, President of the United Steelworkers Local 4-200, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss ongoing nursing staff shortage in New Jersey. Danella also discussed safe staffing practices, hoping to approve nurse-to-patient ratios and the gathering of nurses in Trenton on May 11 to support safe staffing. She also discussed travel nurses and the difference between a travel nurse and a nurse that is working in the area where they live.

Executive Council member of the Rutgers American Association of University Professors-American Federation of Teachers, Todd Vachon, returned to the the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Vachon discussed the new contract resolution that all three striking unions have agreed upon, the difficulties of organizing and communicating for three unions during negotiations and the results of Common Good negotiations.

Bart Pantoja, Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer, San Mateo Building and Construction Trades Council | Joyce Goldstein, Labor Lawyer

Bart Pantoja, the Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer for the San Mateo Building and Construction Trades Council joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the work being done in his area, recent PLA’s and plans for childcare assistance for members in the future. Pantoja also discussed the recruiting work to develop a younger workforce in the building trades.

Labor Lawyer Joyce Goldstein, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent National Labor Relations Board ruling that overturned a precedent set by the previous administration. Goldstein discussed the changes and what it means for workers in the future.

Adam Keller, Co-Host and Co-Producer, The Valley Labor Report | Mike Miller, Regional Director, UAW Region 6

Adam Keller, the co-host and co-producer for The Valley Labor Report joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the outreach and educational opportunities he was able to provide to high school students on Workers’ Memorial Day and May Day. Keller also discussed Alabama House Bill 209 (HB 209) and the Writers Guild of America strike.

Region 6 Director for the United Auto Workers, Mike Miller, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recently signed neutrality agreement and national card check with an electric vehicle battery manufacturer, Sparkz. Miller also discussed the future of EV development in California and how he believes the state can assist the transition to electric vehicles.