Union Strong

Fighting on behalf of working people can take many forms, from organizing a union so workers have a voice on the job to getting involved in political campaigns to elect leaders who will fight for working people or participating in a rally or march to draw attention to an issue impacting workers. It can also take the form of lobbying—meeting with legislative representatives to discuss the issues that matter to workers.

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the Union Movement’s State Legislative Lobby Day. New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento kicks off the discussion on why it's so important and the difference it makes.

NYS AFL-CIO Legislative Agenda, support/oppose memos and more: https://nysaflcio.org/legislation 

The executive orders from President Trump are hitting workers hard and fast, leaving them in a constant state of uncertainty about their job security. These drastic changes are not just shaking up the workforce but also endangering vital public services that millions of Americans rely on.

In this episode of the Union Strong Podcast, we will hear the personal story of a disabled Army Veteran who lost her job at the VA and a union president fighting to protect workers and their rights.

Resources:

SavePublicServices.com 

https://www.federalunionists.net/

https://deptofpeoplewhowork.org/

https://www.mobilize.us/ 

On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we sit down with New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon to discuss the key workforce elements in the Governor's budget proposal, including worker protections, investments in childcare, workforce training initiatives, and more. Tune in for insights that could help shape the future of work.

Website: https://dol.ny.gov/ 

Newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYDOL/signup/44950

NYS AFL-CIO Legislative Priorities: https://nysaflcio.org/legislation

In this episode, we are diving into the legislative priorities of the Union Movement for 2025.

Join us as we unpack the critical issues impacting workers today—from the rise of AI and its effect on jobs to the ongoing battle for pro-worker policies in the face of swift changes at the federal level.

Our guest is New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl, who shares insights on the challenges ahead and how our legislative priorities will address them.

See the NYS AFL-CIO 2025 Legislative Agenda: https://nysaflcio.org/legislation

Sign up for email or text updates from the NYS AFL-CIO: https://nysaflcio.info/updates

NYSNA nurses at Albany Medical Center have sounded the alarm about the staffing crisis at the hospital, bravely sharing stories of patients being cared for on emergency room stretchers instead of hospital beds, nurses stretched too thin, and patient care suffering.

Support the nurses: www.albanymedqualitycare.org

Kate Mullany, the pioneer who established the first female union in the United States in Troy, NY, is a figure of immense significance. However, there is a growing concern that many kids are not learning about her role in the union movement or the broader history of unions. The American Labor Studies Center is working to change that. Join us on this episode of the Union Strong podcast to learn about their essential efforts.

Visit the American Labor Studies Center website

Visit the Kate Mullany House website

Every year, thousands of workers are injured or become ill on the job. In New York State there is a unique network of occupational health clinics available to workers to prevent injuries and illnesses.

In this podcast, we talk to the medical director at one of the clinics to learn about the services available and how workers can access them.

Resources:

Occupational Health Clinic Network website: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/workplace/clinic_network.htm

List of Occupational Health Clinic Network clinics: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/workplace/clinic.htm

Mount Sinai Selikoff website: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/occupational-health

List of Mount Sinai Selikoff locations: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/occupational-health/locations

The 2024 Legislative Session is underway. 

On the latest Union Strong podcast we break down some of the priorities for the Union Movement with New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl.

Stay up to date on NYS AFL-CIO legislative initiatives.

The New York State Nurses Association is celebrating groundbreaking contract victories and they are building on their solidarity for more fights ahead.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, we hear from Nancy Hagans, president of NYSNA and National Nurses United on their fight to prioritize patient care.

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Sign this petition to demand that Ellis Medicine invest in safe patient care, invest in nurses, and negotiate a fair contract now.

Melinda Person is an educator, mother of 4, yoga instructor, and Ironman triathlete. She serves as a member of the New York State AFL-CIO Executive Council, and she's the new president of the nearly 700 thousand-member New York State United Teachers – the largest union in the state.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, Melinda talks about the top priorities for NYSUT, discusses some of the challenges ahead, and legislative goals for the coming year.