America’s Work Force Union Podcast

David Bini (Santa Clara & San Benito Counties BCTC) / Dave Megenhardt (United Labor Agency) / Randi Weingarten (AFT)

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the “What Kids and Communities Need” campaign – a new effort to invest in public schools and promote politicians who support public education.  

 

David Bini, Executive Director of the Santa Clara and San Benito Counties Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed his belief that Google could serve as a model example to the tech industry proving the benefits of Project Labor Agreements. He also talked about a ballot measure that if passed, could potentially hurt the region’s construction industry.

 

United Labor Agency (ULA) Executive Director David Megenhardt was a guest on the AWF Union Podcast and explained his belief that the job market will remain ripe with career opportunities, despite talk of a looming recession. He also spoke about Cleveland Builds, a pre-apprenticeship program that encourages women and minorities to enter a career in the building trades.

Tim Burga (Ohio AFL-CIO) / Don Mullin (Saint Paul BCTC)

Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed his belief the mid-term elections are an opportunity to move the country forward and away from the divisive politics. He also discussed the importance of the Ohio Supreme Court races.

 

St. Paul Building and Construction Trade Council Executive Secretary Don Mullin appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about the array of creative strategies affilaited Joint Apprentice Training Committees (JATCs) utilize to recruit young people into the trades. He also touched on local partnerships the Council has forged with the counties within its jurisdiction to help those interested in apprenticeships get a driver's license, secure childcare or apply for car loan.

Thomas Fisher (SMART Local 441) / Ryan Bennett (UA Local 174)

Thomas Fisher, Business Manager and Financial Secretary of Sheet Metal Workers Local 441,  joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how supply chain shortages have caused a decrease in the work hours of his membership. He also spoke about how the skillset of sheet metal workers help them adapt to new work opportunities with their craft. 

 

UA Local 174 Business Manager/Financial Secretary-Treasurer Ryan Bennett appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the struggle to elect more union-friendly politicians to the Michigan legislature in an effort to rescind So-Called “Right to Work” laws that were enacted in 2013.

Nate O’Reilly (Southeastern Minnesota BCTC) / Teresa Cassady (USW)

Southeastern Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council President Nate O’Reilly joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed recruitment efforts by Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) and the busy work outlook - especially in downtown Rochester.  

 

United Steelworkers (USW) District 1 Assistant Director Teresa Cassady appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about efforts by the USW leadership to get out the vote ahead of the midterm elections. She also shared her memories of a lockout at the Cooper Tire and Rubber Co. in 2011.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO)/Andy Campeau (Duluth BCTC )

Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director for the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and explained the need for Congress to renew funding for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Workers program during its lame-duck session following the midterm elections. He also talked about the need to increase funding to the National Labor Relations Board and shared his thoughts on the upcoming General Election.

 

Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council President Andy Campeau appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed the robust workload within the DBCTC jurisdiction, as the vast majority of projects are covered under Project Labor Agreements (PLAs).

Pete Ielmini (LMCT) / Wes Trotterchaud (Teamsters Local 519)

Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) Executive Director Pete Ielmini joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Commercial Buildings Energy Efficiency Tax Deduction, which provides tax rebates to building owners who make energy efficiency improvements to their buildings, including the installation of mechanical insulation. He also spoke about the importance of fire stop and smoke seal inspections.

 

Teamsters Local 519 President and Business Manager Wes Trotterchaud appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained the need to defeat Amendment 1, which if passed, would enshrine So-Called “Right to Work” laws in the Tennessee state constitution.

Scott Paul (AAM) / Tom Buffenbarger (Independent Labor Voice)

The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how China's military China's military obtained stolen U.S. technology to develop its hypersonic missile program and the Biden administration’s efforts to clamp down on technology theft. He also spoke about the next step to optimize the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act to reinvest in domestic manufacturing.

 

Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and detailed why the oppressive attendance policies of the railroads may lead to a nationwide railway strike. He also talked about a successful strike in Sidney, N.Y., for approximately 700 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 1529 (District 15).

Michael Hess (IW Local 7) / Greg Regan (TTD)

Ironworkers Local 7 Business Manager Michael Hess joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the mental health services available for union members through Employee Assistance Programs, including the service they use, Modern Assistance. He also talked about the booming workload within his jurisdiction and his relationship with U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh.   

 

AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained why he believes the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is the most pro-worker infrastructure law ever passed by Congress. He also provided an update on the tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) being considered for ratification by 12 railroad unions.

Matt Grills (American Legion) / Rich Fiesta (Alliance for Retired Americans)

Matt Grills, Managing Editor of The American Legion Magazine, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the November issue. He spoke about articles that explore the global history of war crimes, the establishment of the Vietnam War Memorial and efforts to award the Medal of Honor to Navy Lt. Royce Williams, who downed four Russian MiG-15s during a dogfight in the Korean War.

 

The Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act that Republicans have vowed to repeal if they take control of Congress in the November midterm elections. He also explained why Medicare premiums will decrease and the 8.7 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to Social Security benefits – the largest increase since 1981.

Dennis Pierce (BLET) / Pat Gallagher (North Coast Area Labor Federation)

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen National President Dennis Pierce joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the proposed Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) under consideration by the 12 railroad unions and explained what could happen if any of the unions fail to ratify the CBA.

North Coast Area Labor Federation President Pat Gallagher made his regular appearance on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about a new four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. and the United Steelworkers (USW).