America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Lyn Montgomery (TWU local 556) / Willy Myers (Columbia Pacific BCTC)

Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556 President Lyn Montgomery joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed deteriorating conditions for both airline workers and passengers in today’s flight industry and why workable solutions may involve a mixture of improvements to Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) and legislative action.

 

Willy Myers, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbia Pacific Building and Construction Trades Council, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and explained how the Intel plant in Oregon impacted local communities and gave some insight as to what Ohioans should expect from the Intel project coming to Central Ohio.

Jason Ehlert (North Dakota BCTC) / Ben Collier (UA Local 248)

North Dakota State Building Trades Unions President Jason Ehlert joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the juggling act by the North Dakota building trades, as they develop market share in renewable energy, while continuing to perform work in the non-renewable sector. He also spoke about the need to grow apprenticeship programs by encouraging young people and women to get into the trades.

 

United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 248 Business Manager Ben Collier appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and talked about the challenges of transitioning coal miners to alternative industries and explained how Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) is bringing jobs to Kentucky.

Bill Samuel (AFL-CIO) / John Rizzo (IBEW Local 1220)

Bill Samuel, Government Affairs Director for the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how the Innovation Act, if passed, could create a renaissance for U.S. manufacturing. He also talked about the PRO Act and proposed legislation to increase the National Labor Relations Board budget by $300 million.

 

IBEW Local 1220 Business Manager John Rizzo appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about an upcoming union election at Intelligentsia Coffee to join Local 1220 and the results of a strike at Chicago’s Public Broadcasting Service, WTTW.

Thomas Kennedy (Texas BCTC) / Greg Regan (TTD)

Thomas Kennedy, Executive Director and Secretary/Treasurer of the Texas State Building Trades Council, joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed the two-tier wage system used for Texas construction projects. He also talked about an upcoming summit of young labor leaders who will help shape the future of the union movement. 

 

AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and provided an update on labor negotiations between rail workers and the railroads, which hit an impasse and may soon require an intervention by President Biden. He also shared his thoughts on the AFL-CIO convention and what needs to be done to protect transportation workers from assault.

Joe McCartin (Working Class Perspectives) / Tom Conway (USW)

Joe McCartin, a Georgetown University professor and contributor for Working Class Perspectives, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed why recent organizing wins across the country call for new economic policies that empower workers.

United Steelworkers (USW) International President Tom Conway appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about how inflation has impacted the steel and oil industry. He also spoke about the decision by the United States Football League players to be represented by the USW. 

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 the need for the U.S. to maintain its tariffs on China, the increased need for domestic production of solar panels and the enforcement of bans on all imports from China’s Xinjiang region.

 

Tom Buffenbarger, an independent labor voice, joined the AWF Union Podcast and gave his thoughts on a book about  the legacy of former General Electric CEO Jack Welch and how the late AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka was recently honored  by the Union Sportsmen's Alliance.

Brian Cavey (Insulators Local 24) / Chuck Stiles (Teamsters Local 728)

Insulators Local 24 Business Manager Brian Cavey joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed recently passed legislation in Maryland that established the Maryland Mechanical Insulation Grant Program. 

Chuck Stiles, Director of the Teamsters Solid Waste and Recycling Division and Vice President of Teamsters Local 728, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and talked about the Teamsters’ efforts to organize solid waste companies across the nation. 

Melissa Cropper (Ohio Federation of Teachers) / Adam Dean and Jamie McCallum (Health Affairs)

Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) President Melissa Cropper joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed House Bill 99 and the OFT’s position on allowing teachers and staff to carry guns in schools. She also talked about the AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention and a recent filing by Equitas Healthcare Workers’ to hold a union election and join the OFT.

 

Adam Dean, Assistant Professor of Political Science at George Washington University, and Jamie McCallum, Professor of Sociology at Middlebury College, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and discussed separate studies they co-authored that explored the impact unions had on public health policy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scott Eickholt (LiUNA Local 942) / John Scearcy (Teamsters Local 117)

LiUNA Local 942 Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer Scott Eickholt joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how Alaska Republicans have shunned So-Called “Right to Work” laws. He also talked about the need to boost oil production in the state.

 

Teamsters Local 117 Secretary-Treasurer John Scearcy appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about proposed legislation in Washington state to give Lyft and Uber drivers collective bargaining rights, protection against deactivation and access to workers’ compensation.

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 U.S. Senate’s recent passage of the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, the D-Day commemoration service in Normandy, France and articles in the July issue of The American Legion Magazine. 

 

The Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Richard Fiesta appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about proposed legislation that seeks to expand Social Security. He also explained a reduction in next year’s Medicare premiums and the need to pass legislation to reign in the price of Insulin.