America’s Work Force Union Podcast

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we examine the shifting landscapes of our physical cities and our digital security. We are joined by two leaders at the forefront of veteran and retiree advocacy to discuss the "reset" of the American downtown and the escalating fight to protect Social Security data. Segment 1: The New American Landscape & Veteran Health Jeff Stoffe...

In this action-packed episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle the legislative and local battles shaping the lives of industrial workers in the Midwest and beyond. Segment 1: Policy and Pathways with U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joins the show to discuss her "worker-centered" agenda in Washington. As the lead sponsor of the LEAP Act, Budzinski exp...

How can the labor movement overcome outdated laws and geographical silos to build true worker power? Today on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle the legislative and organizational strategies shaping the future of unions in the Midwest and the West. Segment 1: Breaking the "Double Hurdle" in Colorado Dennis Dougherty, Executive Director of the Colorado AFL-CIO, joins us to discuss th...

In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we dive into two major battles for the future of public education and worker rights. First, Jason Rabinowitz, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 2010, discusses the weeklong strike of 1,100 skilled trades workers across the California State University (CSU) system. He breaks down why the union is striking over "broken promises" regardi...

Is the U.S. Postal Service being set up to fail? In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we sit down with Jonathan Smith, the new President of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU). Smith, a second-generation postal worker who rose through the ranks from a New Jersey bulk mail center, pulls back the curtain on the "pseudo-privatization" strategies threatening one of America’s...

The rules of the game are changing—both at the border and in the regional field office. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we are joined by two leading experts to discuss the policy shifts threatening union leverage in 2026. Part 1: The USMCA 2026 Review with Adam Hersh Senior Economist Adam Hersh joins us to break down the high-stakes "NAFTA 2.0" review coming this July...

Today, we bring you stories from the frontlines of labor advocacy, featuring leaders from the fire service and nursing who are fighting for safety, respect, and fair treatment. Segment 1: Protecting Ohio’s Bravest (OAPFF) We are joined by Jon Harvey, President of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF), and Steve Stein, the OAPFF Director of Governmental Affairs. They discuss th...

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we bridge the gap between labor’s historic battles and its future leaders. Segment 1: The Strike That Changed Canadian Labor Law Myles Sullivan, International Secretary-Treasurer of the United Steelworkers (USW), joins the show to revisit a defining chapter in labor history: the 1941-42 Kirkland Lake gold miners’ strike. Sullivan explains...

Introduction On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we look at two major battles for public resources and professional dignity. First, we examine a ballot measure in Ohio that could strip billions from local communities. Then, we look at a wave of union victories in newsrooms that are fighting to keep local journalism alive. Segment 1: The High Cost of Repealing Ohio Propert...

Two major labor stories define today’s episode: a historic organizing win at some of the nation’s most famous music venues and the national fight to set rules for Artificial Intelligence in the workplace. First, Ryan Chavka, Business Agent for IATSE Local 22, joins the show to break down the massive union victory for concert production workers at The 9:30 Club, The Anthem, The Atlantis, and Lincol...

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we explore two sides of the labor movement: the massive physical build-out of American manufacturing and the political fight to protect democratic norms. Segment 1: The "Silicon Valley of the Midwest" Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joins the show to deliver...

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we cover two major stories of workers building power—from the animation studios of Hollywood to the statehouse in Iowa. Segment 1: The Organizing Wave in Animation DreamWorks Animation remote feature production workers and the production team behind the TED animated TV series have voted to unionize, joining The Animation Guild (IATSE Local...

Two major labor stories from the nation’s capital dominate today’s episode. First, Dr. Kendrick Roberson, National Vice President of AFGE, joins the show to preview the historic Young Worker March on Washington scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7. Roberson details why workers under 40 are mobilizing near the U.S. Capitol to demand a living wage and relief from the affordability crisis in housing and ed...

Three years after the East Palestine derailment, rail safety reform remains stalled while derailments continue at a rate of roughly 1,000 per year. On today's episode, Tony Cardwell, President of the BMWED-IBT, joins the podcast to warn that the behaviors leading to the 2023 disaster are still embedded in the industry. He discusses why the AAR's lobbying has successfully watered down safety bills,...

While federal workers are asked to keep the country running without a paycheck, the ultra-wealthy are seeing record-breaking gains. This episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast explores the stark divide between those keeping the lights on and those owning the assets. First up: The partial government shutdown is back, and Matt Biggs, President of the International Federation of Profession...

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 ac...

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...

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 exp...

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. Segment 1: Solano County’s Mental Health "Emergency" Solano County’s behavioral health workforce isn't warning of a future risk—they are...

"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. Part 1: Rail S...

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 ed...

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...

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...

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...

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 res...