Blue Collar News

On this episode of Blue Collar News , Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small sits down with Jay Reardon to discuss Montana legislation that is creating opportunities for incarcerated individuals through skilled trades education and workforce training. They explore how the legislation expands partnerships with the Montana Department of Corrections to provide inmates with hands-on training...

What happens when several longtime grocery workers is let go, and questions arise about whether union contract protections were followed? Join Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small for a LIVE episode of Blue Collar News as he sits down with Terrie Trettenback to discuss the recent situation involving a worker at Hometown Harvest Foods (formerly Everyday IGA). Together, they explore why c...

Blue Collar News with Jason Small In this episode of Blue Collar News , Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small sits down with Clint Penny , President of the Montana State Building and Construction Trades Council, to discuss the highlights and outcomes of this year's annual convention. Together, they explore the key issues shaping the future of Montana's construction industry, in...

What does the future of work look like in Montana? On this episode of the Blue Collar News Podcast , Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small sits down with Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry , for an in-depth conversation about the issues impacting working people across the state. From the current state of Montana's workforce and employment t...

The votes have been counted, and the results are in. Join the Montana AFL-CIO as host, Jason Small, breaks down the outcomes of the Montana Primary Election and what they mean for working people across our state. In this episode, we'll discuss key victories, disappointing defeats, and the races that will shape the future of Montana's workforce. We'll examine how labor-backed candida...

In this episode, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary, Jason Small, sits down with Chris Dorrington, Director of the Montana Department of Transportation, for a conversation about the current state and future of Montana’s transportation infrastructure. They discuss the ongoing construction season, major road and infrastructure projects across the state, workforce needs, and the importance of invest...

In this special episode, we celebrate the dedication and impact of nurses across the state during National Nurses Week. From long shifts to lifesaving care, Montana’s nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system—and their work doesn’t go unnoticed. We’ll explore how unions are supporting nurses on the front lines, advocating for safer working conditions, fair wages, and stronger communities. J...

The conversation continues with Part 3 of our Unions & Data Centers series—featuring Dan Delbolt, Business Manager of IBEW Local 532 and Chairman of the Montana State Conference of Electrical Workers.  As data center development accelerates across the country, the role of skilled union electricians has never been more critical. In this episode, Dan shares how IBEW Local 532 is helping meet the...

In this follow-up episode, we continue the conversation on the evolving relationship between data centers and organized labor, diving deeper into the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Riley McCauley of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters returns to share frontline insights on how unions are adapting to the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure across the country....

In this episode, the Montana AFL-CIO sits down with the president of LiUNA Local 1686 for a timely conversation on the intersection of organized labor and the rapid expansion of data centers. As demand for digital infrastructure grows, so does the need for a skilled, protected workforce to build and maintain it. Together, they explore what data center development means for Montana workers, how uni...

Last week healthcare providers won an historic election in Montana. On this edition of the Blue Collar news, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small is joined by Dr. Stuart Bussey, president of the United Association of Physicians and Dentists, and organizer Alexandria Honey to highlight what's needs to be done to improve patient care and what doctors and providers in Kalispell are ne...

Donnie Wetzel, Jr, is the Tribal Liaison for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and joined Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small in Helena to discuss his work engaging young people, coordinating and learning from tribal leaders, and the work being done to build strong communities and an empowered workforce. Topics covered in this edition of Blue Collar News include workforce de...

As the longest government shutdown in history appears to be coming to an end, Montana Food Bank Network CEO Gayle Carlson joins us to discuss how food banks across our state are stepping up to fight food insecurity in Montana. If you would like to donate or volunteer visit MFBN.org for more information. Support the show

Throughout this shutdown federal workers in Montana are fighting for critical public services that ensure the health, safety, and well being of our communities.  In this episode of Blue Collar News AFGE 4012 President Jordan Harwell, who represents Social Security workers in several western states, joins us from Butte, Montana. We're also joined by the Montana Nurses Association's Chief...

UFCW Local 1889 joins Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small to discuss grocery story workers across our state, including recent bargaining wins for workers at Albertsons stores in Montana, how collective bargaining helps protect workers against AI and automation challenges, and why building power for working families is more important than ever. Support the show

For Montana skiers and boarders, Ski Patrol are a lifeline - they’re the ones who race out the door to help on people's worst days on the mountain, prevent avalanches inbounds, and keep us safe on the slopes. In this episode of the Blue Collar News, Jason sits down with Matthew Bagwill of the Whitefish Professional Ski Patrol Union, CWA Local 7781 Support the show

In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small talks to smoke jumper and NFFE Local 60 Vice President Sam Forstag about the damaging cuts to federal workers and how these actions will impact fire season and access to our public lands in Montana.   Support the show

Our right to live, work, and retire with dignity is fundamental to who we are as Montanans. Out-of-state corporations have tried to profit off of Montana’s labor and resources for more than a century and “Right-to-Work” bills have been proposed for decades. But, why do we need to keep having these fights? And who benefits from “Right to work” legislation if it passes? So, this week we have somethi...

In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Jason is joined by Robin Haux of the Montana Nurses Association to discuss the fight for safe staffing and better patient care in Montana. Support the show

In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Jason talks unions and Colstrip with IBEW 1638 Business Manager Stacey Yates and local President Maria Crispin.  Support the show

In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Jason talks to firefighters with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) in Montana about public safety, public funding, and how important union rights are to protecting our communities.  George Richards, President of the Montana State Council of Professional Firefighters Carter Marsh, President of IAFF Local 8 (Great Falls) Andy Zimmerman, IAF...