From Legacy Auto to Public Libraries: A Midwest Labor Reality Check

In this packed episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we look at two very different sectors facing the same core issues: safety, job security, and the demand for a voice on the job.

Part 1: UAW Region 2B – Offshoring & The "Shell Game" UAW Region 2B Director Dave Green joins host Ed “Flash” Ferenc to discuss the accelerating manufacturing crisis in Ohio and Indiana.

The Offshoring Threat: Why Conn-Selmer workers in Eastlake are facing a sudden closure threat while ownership allegedly moves work to China.

The EV Shift: Why 1,300 layoffs at Ultium Cells in Lordstown are a warning sign for federal incentive rollbacks.

Corporate Extraction: How hedge fund and private equity models are leaving small-town America "holding the bag."

Part 2: CML United – Library Workers Demand Safety & Fairness Organizers Rahaf Fares and Sabrina Juntunen break down the historic union drive at the Columbus Metropolitan Library.

Safety First: The reality of 1.5-hour police response times and the call for consistent safety protocols across all branches.

"Open to All" (Including Staff): Why library workers are seeking neutrality and a contract that addresses the unique needs of part-time staff and the impact of AI.

The Momentum: How the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT) is helping library workers win enforceable standards.

This episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast explores two critical fronts in the modern labor movement: the massive mobilization for civil rights in Minneapolis and the rapidly evolving union landscape of the video game industry.

As of January 29, 2026, Minnesota is at the center of a national crisis following the tragic death of Alex Pretti, a VA nurse and AFGE member, while video game workers across the globe prepare for a historic international strike at Ubisoft.

Guest: Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou, President of the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation (AFL-CIO)

Following the Day of Truth and Freedom on Jan. 23, Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou joins the show to discuss a community in motion. Despite subzero temperatures, an estimated 90,000 people rallied in Minneapolis to demand an end to ICE's "occupation" of local neighborhoods.

The Scale of Resistance: Why nearly 100,000 people marched in -23°F weather and how the Target Center became a hub for solidarity within 48 hours.

The Death of Alex Pretti: A look at the tragic killing of the AFGE Local 3669 member and why labor leaders argue that current enforcement tactics are making workplaces and communities less safe.

Building a Defense: The surge in Constitutional Observer and nonviolent action trainings, which have tripled in participation as union members choose preparation over retreat.

Economic Blackout: How 1,000 small businesses stood with labor while major corporations remained silent.

"The resilience of our community is so strong right now. You cannot go into a neighborhood that is not self-organizing." — Chelsie Glaubitz Gabiou

Guests: Vlada Monakhova (Montreal) & Anna Webster (Los Angeles), United Videogame Workers-CWA (Local 9433)

The "dream job" of game development is facing a reality check. With United Videogame Workers (UVW-CWA) nearing 600 members since its March 2025 launch, organizers are proving that even "creatives" need the power of a union contract.

The Ubisoft Strike: Details on the February 10-12 international walkout called by five unions in response to studio closures and the 5-day return-to-office mandate.

The "Art Factory" Myth: Shifting the industry mindset from "passion-driven" to "worker-led" to combat exploitation and $200M cost-cutting plans.

Contract Wins & AI Protections: How workers at Blizzard, Bethesda, and Sega are securing rights over generative AI and winning residual payments for game releases.

GDC Festival of Gaming 2026: UVW’s plans for a major presence at the San Francisco event (March 9-13) to organize the next generation of developers.

Listen to the full episode to hear the firsthand accounts of these labor leaders.

Support Minneapolis Labor: Contact the Minneapolis Regional Labor Federation for nonviolent action training.

Join the Gaming Movement: Are you a developer or freelancer? Connect with United Videogame Workers-CWA to protect your career.

Keywords: Union Rights 2026, Minneapolis ICE Protests, Alex Pretti AFGE, United Videogame Workers, Ubisoft Strike 2026, CWA Local 9433, Labor Podcast, Collective Bargaining AI.

In this power-packed episode, we dive into two major fronts where labor is winning: Capitol Hill and member wellness. First, Pete Ielmini of the LMCT breaks down the historic 54-0 committee vote for the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act and why firestopping is the "life-safety" market union insulators need to own. Then, the experts from Blue Cross Blue Shield’s National Labor Office join us to explain why "Food is Medicine" isn't just a trend—it’s a survival strategy for shift workers and union families.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), joins the show to discuss a massive legislative breakthrough.

The 54-0 Win: How the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act cleared the House Energy and Commerce Committee unanimously and what the "suspension" process means for its future.

Taxpayer Impact: Why auditing 350,000 federal buildings for insulation is a "no-brainer" for energy savings.

Firestopping is Life Safety: Why union insulators are the experts in containing smoke and flame—and why building owners can’t afford to wait for a tragedy to prioritize it.

Mental Health Matters: An update on the Insulators’ Member Assistance Program and the push to make mental health support as routine as a safety meeting.

We sit down with Merrilee Logue, Aishat Magbade, and Sarah Duggan Goldstein from the BCBS National Labor Office to talk about the "Food is Medicine" movement.

Breaking Barriers: Why shift work, overtime, and "food deserts" make healthy eating a structural challenge for union members, not just a personal choice.

Hidden Benefits: Are you leaving "Medically Tailored Meals" or "Produce Prescriptions" on the table? We discuss how to find these benefits in your existing health plan.

Small Changes, Big Gains: Practical tips for locals to improve workplace nutrition and combat the chronic diseases that drive up healthcare costs.

"The Federal Mechanical Insulation Act is a no-brainer... it’s not just a bill, it’s a journey toward public savings." — Pete Ielmini

"Food is medicine is the concept that food is a factor for improving health outcomes by preventing, combating, or even managing disease." — Merrilee Logue

The status of the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act in the House and Senate.

How the Firestop Market Recovery Program is helping contractors win more work.

The difference between medically tailored groceries and standard nutrition.

How to advocate for better nutrition benefits within your Local.

Mechanical Insulators LMCT Website

Blue Cross Blue Shield National Labor Office

Next Step: Check your health plan for "Medically Tailored Meals" or "Produce Prescriptions" today!

Don’t forget to subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for more updates from the front lines of the labor movement!

On this edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle two critical fronts of the labor movement in 2026: the life-and-death stakes of public healthcare staffing in California and a high-level analysis of national economic and political instability.

Solano County’s behavioral health workforce isn't warning of a future risk—they are describing a present-tense catastrophe. Sarah Soroken, a licensed marriage and family therapist and SEIU Local 1021 member, joins the podcast to discuss why 2,000 county workers recently walked out on a two-day strike.

Retired International President of the Machinists Union (IAMAW), Tom Buffenbarger, provides a sobering diagnosis of a country he says has slipped into a 1960s-style crisis—only worse.

Follow the Fight: See more SEIU 1021 and IAMAW stories on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast.

"In 2026, safety isn't a talking point—it's a function of staffing, oversight, and enforceable rules." 🚨🛤️

Whether it’s the rails running through our towns or the fire engines protecting our neighborhoods, the message from labor is urgent: the gap between public rhetoric and actual safety is widening. This episode breaks down the two most critical battles in Labor Legislation 2026.

Nearly three years after the East Palestine, Ohio disaster, why has durable federal reform stalled? Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joins us to discuss the "eyes and ears" on the ground.

We move to the frontlines in Pennsylvania, where chronic firefighter understaffing is turning routine calls into preventable risks. Ed "Flash" Ferenc sits down with Lou Jimenez (IAFF 735) and Jordan Klein (IAFF 507).

From the ROTOR Act in aviation to NFPA 1710 in the fire service, this episode highlights the shift from “policy” to “permanence.” If it isn't written into law, it can be rolled back.

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed David Goldberg, President of the California Teachers Association (CTA), representing more than 325,000 educators across the state. Goldberg discussed the funding challenges facing California public schools, the wave of teacher strikes for better resources and compensation and the critical need to extend Proposition 55, a tax measure that supports education and other public services.

On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Sue Browne, Rapid Response Coordinator for District 1 of the United Steelworkers, took center stage. With more than 30 years as a Steelworker and deep roots in Local 5965 in Michigan, Browne reflected on her path from the assembly line to union activism. She shared insights into the USW Rapid Response program, its communication strategies, and its Balancing the Scales campaign, which aims to advance core workplace issues for union members in Ohio and Michigan.

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Mike Leda, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 153, to highlight the remarkable growth and evolution of his local in South Bend, Ind. Representing about 1,400 members across Northern Indiana and parts of Michigan, IBEW Local 153 has seen surging interest in the electrical trades and a booming apprenticeship program.

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Richard Shavzin, 1st Vice President of the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local and Executive Board member of the Illinois AFL-CIO, discussed artificial intelligence. The conversation covered the implications for union performers and the broader creative sector, potential job security risks, personal agency concerns and the rapidly evolving legal landscape as AI reshapes entertainment and media. Shavzin drew on his decades of industry experience and recent service on Governor Pritzker’s AI task force, which he said put him in a vital role as an advocate for labor in the new age of technology.

On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Jason Walsh, Executive Director of the BlueGreen Alliance, reflected on the organization’s 20-year journey uniting labor and environmental movements. Walsh discussed the origins of the coalition, its influence on public policy, and the challenges it faces amid shifting political landscapes.

Lynn LaPlante, a concert violinist and member of the Chicago Federation of Musicians, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her campaign for Illinois State Representative. She highlighted her union background, community service through music, her decision to run for office and the importance of grassroots support in her campaign for the state legislature.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss funding shortages hitting the Toledo Public School system, this year’s gubernatorial election and its implications for school funding, as well as a surge of successful union organizing efforts in Central Ohio.

This episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jon Schleuss, President of the NewsGuild-CWA, who discussed the recent announcement that the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette will close after a legal win for the union that was achieved through the courts, and what it means for journalists and local news in Pittsburgh.

Jennie Baird, co-chair of the Ethical Tech Project, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to address the growing impact of artificial intelligence on American workers. Baird shed light on her organization’s mission to educate and guide tech builders toward ethical, responsible AI development practices.

This episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast spotlighted Siobhan Standaert, a research analyst at Good Jobs First, a nonprofit focused on corporate accountability and labor rights. Standaert shared her unique background—from her roots in a commercial fishing family to leading a deckhand apprenticeship program with the Deep Sea Fishermen’s Union of the Pacific and, ultimately, joining Good Jobs First—to better understand her commitment to worker advocacy.