America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Pete Ielmini (Insulators LMCT) / James Brant (Teamsters)

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Insulators LMCT, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the career opportunities available to members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers. He also touched on the importance of proper firestop inspections and gave an update on the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 651 President James Brant appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about contract negotiations between the Local and UPS. He also explained the need to organize and grow the Local.

Richard Rothwell (Insulators Local 6) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent)

Richard Rothwell, Training Coordinator for the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 6 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed his career journey as a third-generation Insulator and the importance of being loyal to one’s Local Union. He also spoke about the need to elect labor-friendly candidates.

 

Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about the failure of Congress to provide railroad workers with paid sick days. He also compared the situation of the railway workers to that of workers in the airline industry.

Jean Ross (National Nurses United) / Greg Regan (AFL-CIO)

Jean Ross, a president of National Nurses United, joined The America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Ross discussed the need for nurses to obtain equipment and staff that they were denied, but needed to take care of patients. She also urged nurses countrywide to join the union so that they can have these benefits and not be threatened with losing their jobs for not being able to meet quotas because they are missing necessities to work. 

 

Greg Regan of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO appeared on America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed a contract for rail worker sick days that missed the mark. Regan further mentioned that the railroad industry has laid off a third of its workforce which has caused a lack of safety and time off.. The workers are being paid better, but not getting time off. 

Chris O’ Keefe (Ironworkers Local 384) / Jim Walker (United Steelworkers)

The Ironworkers Local 384 Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer Chris O’ Keefe joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He discussed the safety-first environment that has become a priority for the Local and how this has increased the number of workers and education opportunities.

 

Jim Walker of United Steelworkers appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the leadership and scholarship program that will provide recruits better training. He also discussed the retirement of sub-district director and regular America’s Work Force guest Pat Gallagher.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / Robbie McCarthy (UA Local 4)

Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director for the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the need for Congress to pass a  $25 million budget increase to the National Labor Relations Board this week. He also provided updates on the likelihood of Congress passing the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and renewing funding for the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program.

United Association (UA) Local 4 Business Manager Robbie McCarthy appeared on the AWF  Union Podcast and spoke about the need to recruit younger members to replace an aging workforce. He also talked about work the Local’s membership is performing for Commonwealth Fusion, a venture of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) and the U.S. Department of Defense to study the potential of nuclear fusion as renewable energy.

Samuel Caraballoso (Carpenters Local 212) / Arnold Scott ( AFGE)

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) District 6 Vice President Arnold Scott joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the AFGE’s effort to increase membership in 2022 after losing members during the pandemic. He also talked about AFGE’s accomplishments in the past year.

 

Carpenters Local 212 President Samuel Caraballoso appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the role of concrete carpenters and the contributions they make to the New York City skyline. He also explained how the job has evolved over the years and their safety training.

Terry Burke (HFIAW Local 8) / Melissa Cropper (OFT)

Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) President Melissa Cropper joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed an organizing campaign of teachers at KIPP Columbus and the anti-union tactics used by the administration. She also talked about several bills that failed in the lame-duck session in the Ohio Legislature.

 

Heat and Frost Insulators Local 8 Business Manager Terry Burke appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act (FMIA), which was introduced into the U.S. House earlier this month. 

Jacen Davidson (Ironworkers Local 492) / Andrew Hutchinson (LiUNA Local 955)

Ironworkers Local 492 Business Manager Jacen Davidson joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the need to increase recruiting efforts among women and people of color in order to expand the Union and increase market share. He also talked about Nashville’s construction boom and Tennessee Amendment 1, which enshrined So-Called “Right to Work” laws in the state constitution.

 

Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 955 Public Employees Field Representative Andrew Hutchinson appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about why paid time off has eclipsed wages as a critical bargaining issue in contract negotiations. He also talked about how COVID impacted the Local.

Jeff Stoffer (American Legion) / Rich Fiesta (Alliance for Retired Americans)

Jeff Stoffer, Media and Communications Director for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Task Force Movement, a coalition launched by the White House to connect veterans and transitioning military personnel with careers in the trucking and cyber security industries. He also previewed articles in the upcoming January issue of The American Legion Magazine.

The Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained how the America Rescue Plan helped prevent a 60 percent cut to Teamster pensions. He also spoke about potential threats to Social Security under a Republican-controlled U.S. House.

Scott Paul (AAM) / Eric Sweeney (West Central CLC)

The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and promoted the AAM’s Made in America Holiday Gift Guide, which features gift ideas from all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico, including many union-made products. He also spoke about a World Trade Organization ruling and how it could impact U.S. steel tariffs.     

 

Eric Sweeney, President of the West Central Ohio Central Labor Council, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about a Sept. 20 explosion at the BP-Cenovus Toledo Refinery, which took the lives of brothers, Ben and Max Morrissey. He also discussed ongoing contract negotiations between USW members and the Hollywood Casinos in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio.