America’s Work Force Union Podcast

This episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion , who spotlighted content from the February American Legion Magazine. Topics included the epidemic of loneliness among veterans, the timeless leadership of George Washington and the groundbreaking legacy of Air Force General Daniel “Chappie” James for Black His...

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Kai Shin, a worker organizer with Chicago Botanic Garden Workers United , shared his experience confronting alleged unsafe working conditions and workplace retaliation at Windy City Harvest, the garden’s urban farm initiative. Shin, who was terminated after advocating for transparency and justice for his peers, highlighted disturbing manag...

In today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Luis Jimenez, President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 735 , discussed staffing and safety challenges facing the Bethlehem Fire Department in Pennsylvania. The conversation touched on Bethlehem’s evolving needs as a post-industrial city and the uphill battle to secure adequate staffing that meets national standar...

On today's episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for District 4 of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) , discussed the significance of First Amendment rights in labor activism, the impending closure of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the union’s endorsements in Ohio’s crucial political races. Benjamin Lynn, Press and Communications Associ...

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Michelle Eisen, a barista and spokesperson for Starbucks Workers United , shared her experience working at Starbucks, how she witnessed the company’s transformation over the years and her role in the Buffalo organizing drive that galvanized a nationwide movement. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Aurelia Glass,...

Guillermo Mendoza-Lujan, Secretary-Treasurer of Service Employees International Union Local 121RN , joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to address significant changes threatening the nursing profession. Representing more than 13,000 members, Mendoza-Lujan highlighted the growing challenges that nurses and other healthcare professionals face due to new federal loan caps, the financial imp...

Today’s episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Chris Flett, Business Manager, and Anthony Noseworthy, Assistant Business Manager and Director of Organizing, from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 955 in Alberta, Canada. The union's roots are in Canada's oil sands and mining industries, which create challenging work conditions. The pair also discussed a recent...

Brandon Campbell, Director of Region 4 for the United Auto Workers , joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed some of the challenges facing American autoworkers, including trade deals, corporate stock buybacks and the need for greater solidarity among labor unions.  Amy Howell, Program Manager at the United Labor Agency (ULA) , joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to di...

Today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Betony Jones, former labor advisor at the U.S. Department of Energy and the creator of EnergyEmployment.us , a research hub for jobs and union rates in the energy sector. Her discussion focused on the growth of union jobs in the clean energy sector, the evolving political landscape and the vital need for stronger coalitions between...

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Dan Osborn , an independent candidate for the U.S. Senate in Nebraska and member of Steamfitters and Plumbers Local 464 , shared his inspiring journey from union leadership to national politics. Osborn, a Navy veteran, is a member of Local 464 in Omaha, Neb. During the conversation, he reflected on how his experiences in the military, l...

Today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council , who discussed the region’s political landscape, what’s ahead in 2026 for organized labor in Central Ohio and the increasing union activity among younger generations. On the final installment of the America’s Work Forc...

Happy New Year! Today, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Ariel Wittenberg, journalist and unit chair of the Politico-E&E News (PEN) Guild , a union representing journalists at Politico and E&E News. Wittenberg discussed the challenges and victories union journalists face as artificial intelligence tools become increasingly prevalent in newsrooms. She provided insight into the...

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Anson Poe and Chris Tucker, two figures behind the successful unionization of lab workers at Tempus AI, a healthcare artificial intelligence biotech company in Chicago, discussed the organizing campaign that led to the creation of Machinists Local H1, the first healthcare unit of its kind in the International Association of Machinists and...

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Brad Asay, Vice President of the Utah AFL-CIO , joined the show to highlight a significant legislative victory for public sector workers in the state. Asay discussed the successful effort to repeal the controversial H.B. 267, which would have eliminated collective bargaining rights for teachers, police officers, firefighters and other p...

In today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown joined the podcast to discuss his campaign for the U.S. Senate, attacks against unions and the complexities of U.S. trade policy. Continuing the America’s Work Force Union Podcast’s Best of 2025 series, we revisit the July 25 conversation with Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Emplo...

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Dave McCall, International President of the United Steelworkers, reflected on the union’s evolution, its leadership transition to Roxanne Brown in 2026 and the challenges and victories that defined his time with the Steelworkers. Continuing the Best of 2025, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast returns to the Feb. 6 conversation with...

Zach Story, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 210 in southern New Jersey, appeared on the Christmas Day edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share his insights on the union’s current landscape, its organizing efforts and ongoing local initiatives that strengthen ties within the community. Story discussed the realities of union membership...

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez , representing California’s 38th Congressional District, joined the show to discuss her advocacy for workers and the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act. Sanchez, a labor lawyer and co-leader of key energy and infrastructure bills, discussed her work with the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust...

On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Tom Buffenbarger, retired President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers , reflected on the state of the American workforce, the escalating cost of living fueled by rising healthcare premiums, misleading unemployment data and the growing importance of unions in turbulent times. On the second installment of th...

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO , discussed the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to cancel the Transportation Security Administration workers' collective bargaining agreement, the possible impact of the Protect America's Workforce Act and recent controversial changes to aviation safety rules...

Today’s edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion Media and Communications Division, who discussed the January edition of the American Legion Magazine. He discussed some of the feature stories, like the importance of the United States ratifying the Law of the Sea Convention amid Chinese expansion, the mysterious heroism of the so-calle...

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, two representatives from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399 —Business Agent Pat O'Gorman and Organizer Jesus Ramirez—shared insights into the Local’s efforts to organize in Chicago’s labor landscape. Local 399 represents over 10,000 skilled maintenance employees working across hospitals, hotels, schools and more th...

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, former Occupational Safety and Health Administration Deputy Assistant Secretary and health and safety advocate Jordan Barab discussed the critical state of worker safety in America. As the author of the Confined Space newsletter and an expert with decades of experience, Barab offered a detailed perspective on the underfunding of OSHA, t...

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we featured Tony Johnston, President of the Cook County College Teachers Union Local 1600 , which represents nearly 5,000 members across Chicago and its suburbs. As union negotiations loom, Johnston discussed the organization’s priorities, including the challenges members face due to Chicago’s high cost of living and the city’s residenc...

Today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast spotlights Carrie Lee Patterson, a multifaceted arts professional and proud member of four unions. As an actor, director, writer and dialect coach, Patterson is affiliated with Actors' Equity Association , SAG-AFTRA , the American Guild of Musical Artists and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers . Patterson discussed her career...