America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Malcolm Harris (The Nation) / Pat Gallagher (North Coast Area Labor Federation)

Malcolm Harris, a contributing writer for The Nation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed one of his recent articles, which explores how the organizing approach for lower wage workers has found recent success, by using less traditional tactics. 

 

Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation and United Steelworkers (USW) District 1 Representative, was today’s second guest, and he discussed President Biden’s recent clarifications on the Buy American Act and how they stand to greatly benefit American manufacturing.    

 

Laurie Glicker (AFGE Local 3283) / William Hincks (Sprinkler Fitters Local 281)

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 3283 Executive Vice President Laurie Glicker joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how cuts to Veteran Affairs care facilities will affect veteran healthcare. She also spoke about potential pay raises to federal employees under the FAIR Act. 

Today’s second guest was Sprinkler Fitters Local 281 Vice-President and Organizer William Hincks, who spoke about the need for sprinkler fitter licensure requirements in Illinois and efforts by his Local to increase safety standards in the state. He also discussed his Local’s approach to organizing as it seeks to expand its membership.

Melissa Cropper (Ohio Federation of Teachers) / Shawn McDonnell (IBEW Local 915, West Central Florida CLC)

Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) President Melissa Cropper joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the successful organizing campaign of charter school, Menlo Academy teaching staff, Ohio House Bill 616 and two OFT members running for seats on the Board of the State Teachers Retirement System.     

 

Shawn McDonnell, West Central Florida Labor Council President and Assistant Business Manager/Organizer and President of IBEW Local 915, was today’s second guest. He talked about the challenge of getting apprenticeship ordinances enforced once they have been passed. He also discussed the difference between top down and bottom up organizing techniques and when to use each approach. 

James Slevin (Utility Workers Union of America) / Greg Lalevee (IUOE Local 825)

James Slevin, President of the Utility Workers Union of America joined the AWF Union Podcast and discussed why utility companies are on the lookout for cyber security threats, but more needs to be done to enhance security.   

 

International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 Business Manager Greg Lalevee also appeared on the show and discussed two major projects his members will work on that will be funded by the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act - the Champlain Hudson Power Express and the Rondout-West-Branch Tunnel projects. He also touched on the Local 825 apprenticeship program, which recently became licensed as a technical college program.     

 

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 Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, the Ukraine War and the need to expedite special immigrant VISAs for Afghans who supported the U.S. during the war. 

  

Executive Director of The Alliance for Retired Americans Richard Fiesta was today’s second guest and he explained why Medicare should be allowed to negotiate the prices of prescription drugs in order to lower prices for all Americans.

Ben Banchs (LIUNA Local 1776) / Bart Maddox (Ironworkers Local 92)

Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 1776 Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer Ben Banchs joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed Dual Status Technicians and why this status should be changed to better safeguard the rights of federal workers he represents.

 

Ironworkers Local 92 Business Manager and Financial Secretary Bart Maddox was today’s second guest. He talked about the need to grow his Local to meet upcoming demand for the construction of a Ford electric vehicle plant in Stanton, Tenn.

Ernest Ojito (LIUNA Local 202) / Scott Paul (President AAM)

Scott Paul, President of The Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the return of manufacturing jobs to the U.S., as many of these jobs are now union. He also talked about the Bipartisan Innovation Act and President Biden’s efforts to strengthen the Buy America Act.

     

Laborers' International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 202R International Representative and Business Manager Ernest Ojito was today’s second guest. He spoke about imimgration reform and the need to protect undocumented workers from being exploited at work. 

 

Frank Mathews (CWA District 4) / George Troia Jr (AFM Local 5)

Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed a recent win by CWA Local 4502 workers in Columbus, Ohio who were awarded hero pay and a vaccine reward from the City. He also commended NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo’s recent push to make captive audience meetings a labor law violation.

 

American Federation of Musicians (AFM) Local 5 President George Troia was today’s second guest. He spoke about a concerning trend of using recorded music in place of a live band during public performances and touched on upcoming contract negotiations.

Treston Shull ( Liuna Local 324) / Keith Combs President (APWU Detroit)

Laborer's International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 324 Vice President and Business Representative Treston Shull joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how renewable energy projects and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has created an exciting time for construction unions in California. 

 

Keith Combs, President of the American Postal Workers Union Detroit District Area Local, was today’s second guest. He talked about the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 and its effect on the U.S. Postal Service. He also discussed USPS employee morale under the leadership of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy.

Geraldine Bender (AFT-Mississippi) / Joyce Goldstein (Labor Lawyer)

American Federation of Teachers Mississippi (AFT-MS) President Geraldine Bender joined the America’s Work Force Union podcast and discussed the struggle to raise teacher pay in Mississippi amidst an ongoing teacher shortage across the state. 

 

Labor Lawyer Joyce Goldstein was today’s second guest and addressed a memo by Jennifer Abruzzo, National Labor Relations Board General Counsel, who stated captive audience meetings should be considered illegal. She also discussed the recent successful vote to unionize at an Amazon Fulfillment Center in Staten Island and what she expects to happen next in this ongoing battle.