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, 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, 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

Iron Workers International District Representative Vince DiDonato joined the America’s Work Force Union podcast and discussed efforts by workers in Illinois to unionize, and how their effort could lead to the reinstatement of a 1949 NLRB decision that can benefit Union organizing nationwide. 

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) was today’s second guest. He explained why he thinks there is more excitement about unions today than at any other time in his lifetime. He also voiced support for workers striking against Sherwin Williams and discussed proposed legislation.

Shaun Richman, contributor to In These Times magazine, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the successful vote by workers at a Staten Island Amazon Fulfillment Center to unionize and how it may change the labor movement.

National Postal Mail Handlers Union Local 322 President Kelly Dickey was today’s second guest. She explained how the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 will create a brighter economic future for the U.S. Postal Service.