America’s Work Force Union Podcast

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 compensation trust fund solvency and the ongoing threat of So-Called “Right-To-Work” legislation.

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.

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 recent organizing victories, contract negotiations and some of the ongoing challenges in the waste management industry.

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 (NLO) at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), and Dr. Ruthie Fesahazion-Fortune, Project Director for Clinical Affairs at BCBSA, discuss the mental health crisis facing American workers. In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, they explore common mental health challenges, workplace impacts and BCBSA’s strategies to address these issues.

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 and the importance of peer support in mental health.

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 tradesman, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast. He discussed the Union Proud Warrior platform, the impact of social media on union organizing and the challenges of addressing anti-union sentiment.

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.

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 Podcast this Memorial Day to discuss his photographic tribute to fallen service members, the personal stories behind the headstones and the impact his project has had on his life.

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 issues and the evolving perception of mental health in the labor movement.

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 International Brotherhood of Teamsters—joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast today. He discussed rail safety, the ongoing funding challenges for public transit in Illinois and the personal impact of workplace safety violations.