Liz Perlman, Executive Director of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3299 , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing University of California (UC) workers. She discussed income inequality between executives and frontline staff, the impact of recent layoffs and the union's efforts to protect immigrant workers amid increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. Merrilee Logue ( National Labor Office ),...
Jun 27, 2025•58 min•Season 6Ep. 128
Donna Seering, Director of Workforce Development and Innovation at Melwood Community Services , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Building PATHS program, which trains people with disabilities for careers in construction and skilled trades. Zoe Karns, a journeyman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 146 and president of Illinois Pride at Work , shared her experience as a transgender electrician. She discussed her transition journey, workplace ...
Jun 26, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 127
Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, firestop awareness and the industry's potential job growth. David Spero, National President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) , joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the proposed $22 billion in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funding, the need for more techni...
Jun 25, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 126
Lindsay Leeder, Senior Vice President of Labor Union and Trust at Lantern Care , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the rising healthcare costs facing unions, Lantern's approach to specialty care and strategies for containing expenses while ensuring quality care for members. Tom Buffenbarger, former General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers , joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the rapid advancement of artifi...
Jun 24, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 125
As part of Cancer Survivor Awareness Month, America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Miranda Kruse, a cancer survivor, and her mother, Teresa Kruse, a caregiver and fellow survivor, who shared their experiences with cancer diagnosis and treatment. They discussed the importance of early detection, the challenges of recovery and their involvement with Color Health's Cancer Connect program, which provides mental health support for cancer patients and survivors. Matt Biggs, President of the Inter...
Jun 23, 2025•55 min•Season 6Ep. 124
Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion ’s Media and Communications Division, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Legion's century-long involvement in youth baseball, the consequences of a broken immigration system and the importance of America's global leadership. Lisa Cutler, Communications Director for the Alliance for Retired Americans , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the future of Social Security, potential Medicaid cuts in Congress a...
Jun 20, 2025•54 min•Season 6Ep. 123
Tony Cardwell, President of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes (BMWED) – a division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters – joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential dangers of proposed autonomous track inspections, the importance of human inspectors and the anticipated consequences of reducing mandated inspections. Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation , discussed the recent approval of Nippon Steel's acquisition of U....
Jun 19, 2025•52 min•Season 6Ep. 122
Arnold Scott, National Vice President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing attacks on federal workers, particularly at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the administration's attempts to strip union rights and AFGE's efforts to fight back through legal action and advocacy. Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association , discussed the union's success in recertification elections, legisl...
Jun 18, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 121
Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Ohio’s underfunding of public schools, challenges to labor rights in higher education and the importance of union leadership development. President of United University Professions Fred Kowal joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing higher education under the Trump administration, the importance of labor unity and strategies for engaging t...
Jun 17, 2025•52 min•Season 6Ep. 120
John Coleman, Co-Chair of the Met AGMA Negotiating Committee, and Annie Hollister, Counsel for the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA) , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their new one-year contract with the Metropolitan Opera . David Madland, senior fellow and advisor to the American Worker Project at the Center for American Progress (CAP) , joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent research on voter preferences, the disconnect between public op...
Jun 16, 2025•56 min•Season 6Ep. 119
Andrew Strom, labor lawyer, adjunct professor at Brooklyn Law School and OnLabor Blog contributor, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of Trump-appointed judges on labor cases, proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the importance of enforcing labor laws. Len DiCosimo, President of the American Federation of Musicians Local 4 , discussed upcoming music industry conferences in Cleveland, the impact of political decisions on the arts and a new music...
Jun 13, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 118
Jacob Morrison, co-host of The Valley Labor Report and member of the North Alabama Area Labor Council , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss labor issues in Alabama, the impact of federal budget cuts and the state's political landscape. Morrison shared insights on protests against immigration enforcement, the effects of federal agency cuts on Alabama's workforce and the potential implications of Tommy Tuberville's gubernatorial announcement. Catherine Turcer from Common Cause...
Jun 12, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 117
Following Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month in May, Kimberly Kam, Senior Vice President and Sales Director for Union Commercial Services at the Amalgamated Bank of Chicago (ABOC) , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast. She discussed her journey as an Asian American in the financial sector, strategies for overcoming cultural challenges and her involvement in empowering entrepreneurs in low-income countries. Jacqueline Cañola, Professional Development & Technic...
Jun 11, 2025•50 min•Season 6Ep. 116
Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communication Workers of America (CWA) , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the recent policy changes affecting its implementation and the potential impact on rural communities. Kalena Thomhave, a freelance journalist based in Pittsburgh, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her story on Capital & Main about the United Steelworkers ...
Jun 10, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 115
LIUNA Minnesota and North Dakota ’s Kevin Pranis, Marketing Manager, and Steve Cortina, Organizer in North Dakota, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing local workers in the wind energy sector. They talked about the influx of out-of-state workers, their impact on local communities and strategies to combat these issues. Debbie Goldman, retired Communications Workers of America (CWA) labor researcher and author of " Disconnected: Call Center Workers Fight f...
Jun 09, 2025•56 min•Season 6Ep. 114
Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss economic challenges in Central Ohio, ongoing construction projects and a union-busting case impacting Teamsters Local 284 . Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss proposed Medicaid cuts, their impact on healthcare access and potential job losses at the Depar...
Jun 06, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 113
Tom Spiggle, labor and employment law attorney and founder of The Spiggle Law Firm , discussed the Trump administration's attacks on federal workers, legal challenges to union rights and the Supreme Court's role in these disputes. Samantha Sanders, Director of Government Affairs and Advocacy at the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Trump administration's actions against workers in its first 100 days, highlighting the administration's a...
Jun 05, 2025•57 min•Season 6Ep. 112
Irma Westmoreland, Secretary-Treasurer of National Nurses United , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the proposed cuts to VA staff, the need for full collective bargaining rights and the importance of maintaining quality care for veterans. Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their recent legislative conference in Columbus, Ohio. Burga highlighted three key issues: the fair school funding formula, unemployment ...
Jun 04, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 111
Jody Calemine, the AFL-CIO 's Director of Advocacy, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss attacks on federal unions, the crisis at the National Labor Relations Board and proposed legislation affecting workers' rights. Dave Steiger, a Cleveland attorney, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed a recent Ohio Supreme Court case involving a workplace fatality in a steel plant near Canton, Ohio.
Jun 03, 2025•50 min•Ep. 297
Michael Baldwin, President of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss rail industry issues. Baldwin addressed the push for deregulation, challenges with the Railroad Retirement Board and the importance of state-level engagement in rail safety legislation. Chuck Stiles, Assistant Director of Solid Waste and Recycling Division for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters , joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss rece...
Jun 02, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 109
Lindsay Dougherty, International Vice President and Division Director of the Motion Picture and Theatrical Trade Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 399 , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast. Dougherty discussed the impact of tax incentives on production locations, the industry's contraction due to streaming and efforts to standardize contracts across the country. Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office...
May 30, 2025•52 min•Season 6Ep. 108
Troy Swanson, Legislative Chair for the Cook County College Teachers Union (CCCTU) , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Illinois Senate Bill 1693, the impact of proposed federal budget cuts on community colleges and the importance of Pell Grants and TRIO programs. Dr. Jessica Provines, Assistant Vice President for Wellness and Chief Psychologist at Wichita State University , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss mental health awareness, Suspenders4Hope an...
May 29, 2025•57 min•Season 6Ep. 107
Jim Petrides, senior mechanical insulation specialist for the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT) , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent study in the Houston area, work opportunities for signatory contractors and the need for education in the industry. Sean Allen, President of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 21 — a Local within BAC Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois — and a fourth-generation ...
May 28, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 106
Charlie Falkner, Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 8 in Milwaukee, Wisc., joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's growth, upcoming events and industry challenges. Tom Buffenbarger, retired General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel partnership, the potential impact of fluctuating tariffs and Boeing....
May 27, 2025•49 min•Season 6Ep. 105
Sri Benson, a policy analyst at the American Legion , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast this Memorial Day to share the story of his late wife Katie and her battle with mesothelioma due to burn pit exposure. He shared their challenges with the VA for service-related recognition and his advocacy for veterans' rights through legislative efforts like the PACT Act and Dole Act. Richard Sherman, a U.S. Navy veteran, Legionnaire and photographer, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcas...
May 26, 2025•54 min•Season 6Ep. 104
Dr. Mike McDonald, Director of Audiology, and Brenda Thompson, Chief Operating Officer at Birdsong Hearing Benefits , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of hearing loss on mental health, workplace performance and overall well-being. John Lepley, Director of Education for the United Steelworkers , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the critical intersection of mental health and the workplace, the role of education in addressing mental health ...
May 23, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 103
Johnny Jones, Council Secretary/Treasurer of the American Federation of Government Employees TSA Council 100 , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Trump administration's efforts to privatize the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), its impact on workers' rights and potential consequences for public safety. Champ Zavala, Vice Chairperson of the United Passenger Rail Federation , part of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes —a division of the Internation...
May 22, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 102
Chris Lalevee, Business Agent for International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 and Director of the IUOE Peer Support Program, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss mental health awareness in the construction industry, his personal experience with mental health challenges, the importance of recognizing signs of crisis in coworkers and how the IUOE is implementing their peer support program. Manja Horner, CEO of Boost , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to di...
May 21, 2025•59 min•Season 6Ep. 101
Marcus C. Evans Jr., State Representative for Illinois' 33rd district and Chairman of the Labor Committee, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss public transit funding in Illinois, the need for enhanced safety measures and the power of collective action in demanding better public services. Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers , joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the battle for fair school funding, attacks on collective bargaining ...
May 20, 2025•56 min•Season 6Ep. 100
Shaun Richman, labor historian, professor and author, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his new book " We Always Had a Union: The Story of the New York Hotel Workers Union, 1912-1953. " Bryce Covert, contributing writer at The Nation , appeared on the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her recent article that investigated sexual harassment claims at McDonald's....
May 19, 2025•57 min•Season 6Ep. 99
