America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Ironworkers Local 63 member Paul Goodrich joins the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the specialized role of architectural ironworkers, the importance of labor history in apprenticeship, and the growing movement to support recovery and mental health in the trades. On today’s episode, host Ed "Flash" Ferenc sits down with Paul Goodrich, a member of Ironworkers Local 63 in Chicago. With experience as an ironworker, foreman, and teacher, Goodrich offers a deep dive into a trade that literally provides the "final look" of the Chicago skyline. In this episode, we discuss: The Art of the Finish: How Local 63 specializes in architectural and ornamental ironwork, from curtain wall systems to glass installations. Adapting to Innovation: How technology is changing man-hours on the job and why unions must organize aggressively around new construction methods. Teaching the Movement: Why Goodrich believes every apprentice needs to understand Chicago’s labor history—from the Haymarket era to modern collective action. Recovery and Resilience: A personal look at how union health benefits and peer support are helping trades workers navigate substance use and mental health challenges. The Union Foundation: Why the path to dignity, respect, and economic stability still runs through a union contract. Go Behind the Scenes of the Labor Movement. Every victory at the bargaining table starts with workers standing together. Subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for daily interviews with the leaders and organizers building worker power across America.

Technology is reshaping the American workplace, but who decides the rules of engagement? In today's episode, we sit down with two major labor leaders to discuss how unions are ensuring workers aren't left behind by infrastructure shifts or digital automation. Segment 1: Broadband Justice & Inclusive Leadership Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for CWA District 4, joins the show to discuss the union’s multi-front battle for broadband expansion. He highlights why high-speed internet is a 21st-century civil right and explains how CWA is cultivating a new generation of diverse leaders to meet these challenges. Mathews also shares a personal call to action for a fellow union brother’s family in need of a kidney donor. Segment 2: Putting Workers First in the AI Revolution Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga breaks down the "Workers First" initiative on Artificial Intelligence. As the Ohio Statehouse begins debating AI legislation, Burga outlines the essential guardrails needed to prevent job displacement and algorithmic bias. From the rise of data centers in Ohio to the protection of collective bargaining in an automated age, learn why labor must have a seat at the table before the software is coded. Listen in to hear about: The connection between inclusive leadership and union power. How CWA is mobilizing for Elias Manolis’s life-saving transplant. The "Workers First" framework for AI regulation in Ohio. Why data centers are a double-edged sword for local communities.

Segment 1: UAW Region 4’s Kelli Harrison on Safety and Women’s Committees In our first segment, we welcome Kelli Harrison, UAW Region 4 Political and Legislative Coordinator. Harrison shares her journey from a small Illinois town impacted by industrial contamination to leading a 12-state region for the United Auto Workers. She discusses the critical link between shop-floor safety and women’s committees, the evolution of maternity protections in manufacturing, and how the UAW is building a leadership pipeline for the next generation of women workers. Segment 2: Labor Lawyer Andrew Strom on Flowers Foods v. Brock In the second half, labor lawyer Andrew Strom joins the program to break down a pivotal case currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. Flowers Foods v. Brock centers on "last-mile" delivery drivers and the "transportation worker exemption" from forced arbitration. Strom explains how the outcome of this case could determine whether millions of workers maintain their right to a day in court or are pushed into private, confidential arbitration systems. In this episode, we cover: How industrial safety failures in non-union shops fuel labor activism. The role of UAW Women’s Committees in bargaining for dignity and inclusion. Why "member-to-member" politics is the backbone of union strength. The legal strategy behind corporate forced arbitration clauses. Why the "last mile" of the supply chain is the new front line for interstate commerce law. Stay Connected: Subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for daily interviews with the leaders, organizers, and activists building worker power across America. Website: https://awf.labortools.com/

In a historic conversation for Women’s History Month and our second-ever Trades Day, we are joined by Roxanne Brown, the 10th International President of the United Steelworkers (USW). As the first woman to lead North America’s largest industrial union, Brown shares her journey from an immigrant household in Jamaica to the halls of power in Washington, D.C. She discusses the unique challenges facing the industrial trades in 2026, including a massive bargaining year across the oil, steel and paper sectors. Brown also breaks down the USW’s strategy for combating digital misinformation, the importance of "kitchen-table" messaging and why the union is doubling down on leadership development to ensure the next generation of workers is ready to fight for the middle class. Key Takeaways A Historic Legacy: Brown reflects on her path to the presidency and her "member-first" leadership philosophy. 2026 Bargaining Blitz: Insights into upcoming negotiations in oil, aluminum, tires, and steel. The Trusted Messenger: Why local union leaders are the most effective voices in the fight against misinformation. Policy & Organizing: The USW’s stance on the upcoming USMCA renegotiations and domestic job protection.

What does it actually take to be "the first"? In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we sit down with Haley Stevenson, the first female firefighter in the history of IAFF Local 555 and the Galesburg Fire Department. Haley pulls back the curtain on the "hiring gauntlet"—from the grueling physical combat challenge to the mental pressure of the fire academy. We also dive into a critical conversation on how union-management collaboration solved high-stakes policy gaps regarding pregnancy and light duty, proving that inclusivity doesn't mean lowering standards—it means strengthening the line. Listen now to hear: The reality of the 1.5-mile run and ladder climb. How a union household upbringing shaped her career path. The "hidden" recruitment barriers for women in the trades and public safety.

Welcome to the debut of Trades Day on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast! In this inaugural segment, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc is joined by Cara Siegel, a Journeyperson with IBEW Local 601 and an instructor for the East Central Illinois Building and Construction Trades Council. Siegel provides an inside look at Illinois’ Hire360 pre-apprenticeship model—a game-changing pipeline that is bridging the gap between curiosity and a career in the union trades. We dive into the practical realities of workforce development, from teaching math to adults to the surging demand for skilled labor driven by Illinois’ clean energy policies. Key Topics Discussed: The Hire360 Advantage: How pre-apprenticeship reduces risk for both workers and the industry. The Clean Energy Shift: Why solar, wind, and data centers are reshaping the IBEW’s workload. Retention vs. Recruitment: Siegel’s blunt assessment of why we are losing tradeswomen and what must change (childcare, leave, and culture). Nuclear & Data Centers: A nuanced look at Illinois’ energy mix and the community impact of rapid infrastructure build-outs. Go Behind the Scenes of the Labor Movement: Every victory starts with workers standing together. Subscribe to the AWF Union Podcast for daily interviews with the leaders building worker power across America. Visit us at awf.labortools.com.

The frontline of healthcare and the frontier of tech are colliding. In this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle two of the most significant shifts facing the American worker today: the healthcare staffing crisis and the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence. National Nurses United (NNU) with Mary Turner, NNU President Mary Turner discusses the "Red Alert Hospital Tour." As corporate health systems prioritize profits over patients, Turner explains why nurses are taking the fight to the streets to prevent hospital closures and enforce safe staffing ratios. The "Moral Injury" of Nursing: Why clinical standards are non-negotiable. Red Alert Tour: Building community power to save local healthcare anchors. United Labor Agency (ULA) with Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director Dave Megenhardt joins us to discuss the "Workers First Summit" and the labor movement's response to AI. With the potential to compress decades of disruption into years, Megenhardt explains how unions are bargaining for guardrails. The Job Chain Threat: How AI affects manufacturing, trucking, and logistics simultaneously. Policy & Protection: Why worker voice must be built into AI deployment. Support the Show: Every victory at the bargaining table starts with workers standing together. Subscribe for the latest interviews with the leaders building worker power across America. Links: Website: https://awf.labortools.com

The Workforce Pipeline: From Data Centers to National Leadership On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we go inside the two engines driving the modern labor movement: massive infrastructure build-outs and the development of the next generation of union leaders. Segment 1: Central Ohio’s Construction Revolution Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joins the show to discuss the "stacking" of megaprojects in the region. Intel Update: Why the duration of the Licking County build matters more than the peak headcount. The Power Demand: How "behind-the-meter" power and the $850M Bluegrass Power Station are creating a secondary wave of union jobs. Data Center Ecosystems: Moving beyond the initial build to long-term maintenance and modernization. Segment 2: Organizing, Action, and Union Pipelines Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, checks in to discuss the national landscape for workers in 2026. USW History: The significance of Roxanne Brown taking the helm as the 10th International President of the United Steelworkers. The Worker-Candidate Surge: How union members are translating shop-floor leadership into successful campaigns for public office. Coalition Power: Why labor is aligning with community partners to protect voting access and economic fairness. GET INVOLVED: Every victory starts with workers standing together. Subscribe to the AWF Union Podcast for daily interviews with the leaders building worker power across America. Visit us at: awf.labortools.com Follow the movement: #UnionStrong #BuildingTrades #AFLCIO #Labor2026 #IntelOhio #WorkerPower

"It’s education’s best-kept secret." During Women in Construction Week, we’re going beyond the recruitment posters to talk about what it actually takes to build a career in the electrical industry. Joining the America’s Work Force Union Podcast is Diana Limon, Director of Women Recruitment and Support at IBEW Local 11 in Los Angeles. Diana didn’t follow a family pipeline into the trades—she found her way through a newspaper ad in 1995 after realizing college wasn't delivering the stability she needed. Now, she’s leading the charge to ensure the next generation of women doesn't just enter the trade, but stays there. In this episode, we discuss: The Retention Gap: Why recruitment is only half the battle and how childcare remains a structural barrier to women in construction. The ERiCA Grant: How California is finally putting real resources toward childcare support for apprentices. Apprenticeship Readiness: The role of MC3 and WINTER programs in preparing women for the physical and cultural realities of the jobsite. The Union Advantage: Why collective bargaining is the only way to guarantee equal pay, pensions, and a path to leadership. Listen in to hear how IBEW Local 11 is moving the needle on workforce capacity and true equity on the jobsite.

Women in Construction Week is about more than just a recruitment campaign—it’s about a workforce reality. Joining the America’s Work Force Union Podcast is Krissy Webber, Business Manager of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local 97 in Illinois. As one of the few women leading a construction local, Webber offers a blunt assessment of why the industry must evolve to meet modern labor demands. In this episode, we discuss: The Union Advantage: Why equal pay, healthcare, and pensions starting on "Day 1" make roofing a middle-class stabilizer. The Retention Gap: Why the "4:00 AM reality" of construction start times makes childcare the #1 barrier for women in the trades. Leadership Representation: Why having women in less than 1% of management roles stalls recruitment momentum. Career Transitions: Webber’s shift from the burnout of retail management to the security of a union career. Webber’s message to women is simple: The trades are a present workforce necessity, not a future goal. Get involved, find your allies, and start building your retirement today.

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we celebrate Women in Construction Week with a deep dive into the intersection of public policy, labor power, and gender equity. Our guest, Carol Kim, Business Manager of the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council, shares the "San Diego Story"—a blueprint for how labor can reverse anti-union legislation to build a massive, stable pipeline of work. Key Topics Covered: The Long Game in San Diego: Carol details the strategic campaign to "flip" the city council and pass a ballot measure with 58% voter support to overturn the region’s long-standing ban on Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). The $1B Pipeline: How a citywide PLA covering the capital improvements program is creating economic stability for more than 30,000 union workers and expanding apprenticeship slots. Women in the Trades: A candid assessment of why women’s participation has climbed from 2.5% to nearly 10% in the region and the cultural shifts still required to reach equity. Childcare as Workforce Development: Why California’s ERICA program (Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeships) is a game-changer for retaining women who are primary caregivers. From Teacher to Labor Leader: Carol reflects on how her background in education and HIV prevention shaped her approach to organizing and why she views labor as the most effective tool for fighting structural poverty. What You’ll Learn: Why the nature of construction makes citywide PLAs essential for worker stability, and how intentional mentorship is transforming the face of the San Diego job site. For more information on the San Diego Building and Construction Trades Council, visit sdbuildingtrades.com.

“Do not wait to be perfect.” That is the message AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler has for the next generation of women leaders as we kick off Women’s History Month and Women in Construction Week 2026 on the America's Work Force Union Podcast. In this wide-ranging episode, Shuler joins us to discuss the historic momentum of the labor movement, where public support has reached nearly 70 percent. We explore the 2026 WIC Week theme, "Level Up. Build Strong," and discuss how the union advantage provides a more equitable landscape for women in the trades compared to the broader economy. Shuler also pulls back the curtain on the AFL-CIO’s fight for worker-centered AI. As technology reshapes the jobsite, she explains why collective bargaining is the ultimate "guardrail" to ensure human oversight, privacy, and shared productivity gains. In this episode, we cover: The evolution of women’s leadership from the shop floor to the executive board. How the labor movement is scaling state-level legislation to protect workers from "algorithmic bosses." Advice for women entering male-dominated industries: Finding your voice and building mentorship networks.

In today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we go behind the scenes of two major labor victories where workers refused to back down in the face of corporate pressure. Segment 1: USW District 1 & Libbey Glass (0:00 - 15:30) USW District 1 Director Donnie Blatt joins the show to recap the conclusion of a grueling five-month strike at Libbey Glass in Toledo. Blatt details how three separate USW Locals—65T, 59M, and 700T—maintained 24/7 picket lines to protect their craft jurisdictions and seniority rights. We discuss the transition from bankruptcy concessions to a contract that restores wage growth and secures healthcare for the future. Segment 2: UPMC Magee Nursing Victory (15:31 - End) Registered Nurses Adrienne Andrews and Sharece Abee explain how they helped lead a successful organizing campaign at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. Working with SEIU Healthcare PA, these frontline caregivers overcame intense anti-union messaging to win their election. They share updates on the first-contract negotiations that began in January and why safe staffing remains their North Star. For more information on these stories, visit our blog at awf.labortools.com

In today's episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we explore two critical fronts of the labor movement: proactive workforce development in the trades and the legal defense of bargaining unit integrity. Segment 1: Masonry’s Next Generation in Central NY Daren Gulliver, Training Director for BAC Local 2, discusses a successful partnership with New York’s Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Gulliver outlines how Local 2 is reaching students as early as age 17 to provide hands-on masonry fundamentals and clear pathways into registered apprenticeship programs. Key Insight: Why "bridge programs" and earlier recruitment are essential to combatting the skilled labor shortage while providing debt-free career stability. Segment 2: Protecting the Bargaining Unit from Technical Exclusions Kate Black, Field Director for AFSCME Council 65, breaks down a significant National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) unit clarification ruling involving Head Start teachers in Minnesota. Black explains how the employer used a "statutory supervisor" argument to narrow the bargaining unit and why this case serves as a warning for unions nationwide. Key Insight: How a single supervisory factor—effectively recommending discipline—can be used to strip workers of their union protections and what AFSCME is doing to prepare for future classification challenges.

In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we dive deep into the two pillars of a thriving labor movement: professional excellence in the business of construction and inclusive recruitment that reaches remote communities. Segment 1: The Business of the Trades with Pete Ielmini Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT), discusses why union apprenticeship is about more than just "hard skills." Ielmini breaks down the "soft skills" that define a professional—safety culture, mental health awareness, and leadership. He also offers a candid look at the business side of the industry, explaining why many new contractors fail and what it takes to build a stable, successful union firm in today’s market. Segment 2: Indigenous Inclusion in Northern Ontario with Andy Nieweglowski Andy Nieweglowski, Training Director for LIUNA Local 607, joins the show to discuss a groundbreaking partnership with the Lakehead District School Board and Matawa First Nations. With massive infrastructure and mining projects like the Ring of Fire on the horizon, Nieweglowski explains how Local 607 is removing barriers for Indigenous students—from residency housing to childcare—to ensure local people are ready for local jobs. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why safety culture has shifted from a checklist to a financial and ethical imperative. The "hidden" costs of contracting: Bonding, insurance, and the reality of payment timelines. How LIUNA Local 607 plans to double its membership by 2030. The role of tiny home construction in modern apprentice training.

In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we examine the intersection of trade policy, healthcare funding and the rising tide of union organizing across the United States. Segment 1: The High Cost of Broad Tariffs Retired International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Tom Buffenbarger joins host Ed “Flash” Ferenc to break down the real-world impact of sweeping tariffs. Buffenbarger explains why broad trade penalties often function as a "consumer tax" that destabilizes North American supply chains, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors. He also discusses the recent surge in union membership—reaching a 16-year high—and why younger workers and federal employees (NFFE) are leading the charge for collective action. Segment 2: California’s Healthcare Staffing Crisis Guillermo Mendoza-Luján, Secretary-Treasurer of SEIU 121RN, sounds the alarm on hospital layoffs and staffing shortages in Southern California. Following funding cuts to Medi-Cal and Medicare, facilities like Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center are reducing staffing levels, leading to longer ER wait times and dangerous nurse-to-patient ratios. Mendoza-Luján details the ongoing strike at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana and explains why patient safety is inseparable from worker protections.

The labor movement is shifting from a defensive crouch to a bold offensive strategy. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we welcome two major voices in the labor movement to discuss the data behind the union resurgence and the legislative fight for worker safety. Segment 1: The Resurgence of American Unions Dave Kamper, Senior Strategist for the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), joins the show to discuss his new book, Who’s Got the Power? The Resurgence of American Unions. Kamper explains how the pandemic served as a catalyst for worker demands and why Gen Z is leading the charge in organizing. Key Topics: Why EPI research is critical for labor’s moral and economic case, the rise of "Solidarity Standards," and how Central Labor Councils are coordinating resource-heavy wins. Segment 2: Securing the Skies and the Streets Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD) of the AFL-CIO, outlines a three-front legislative agenda focused on safety as infrastructure. Key Topics: The ROTOR Act and preventing aviation collisions, the RIDER Safety Act to combat rising assaults on transit workers, and the urgent need for federal safety standards for Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) to protect both public safety and American jobs. Go Behind the Scenes of the Labor Movement. Every victory at the bargaining table starts with workers standing together. From the shop floor to the statehouse, hear how activists are fighting for better wages, safer conditions, and a stronger future. Subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to get the latest interviews with the leaders and organizers building worker power across America.

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 Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, previews the latest issue of the American Legion Magazine. The Downtown Reset: How the collapse of office building valuations is forcing cities into a mixed-use transformation. Housing & Homelessness: The urgent intersection of downtown revitalization and affordable housing for veterans. Cannabis Research: An update on the Legion’s push for federal medical cannabis research to treat PTSD, TBI, and chronic pain. The Thomas Paine Influence: Why the Revolutionary-era "media influencer" still matters to modern communicators and labor. Segment 2: Protecting the Retiree Safety Net Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, sounds the alarm on immediate threats to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA Data Breach: Inside the federal court fight over unsecured servers and the potential exposure of millions of records. The 2032 Deadline: New projections show the Social Security Trust Fund is moving toward a shortfall faster than expected—what it means for your benefits. Actionable Advice: Steps beneficiaries can take right now to monitor their accounts and safeguard their financial identity. Mobilizing for 2026: A preview of the Alliance’s National Membership Meeting in Las Vegas this April.

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 explains how bipartisan tax incentives can expand registered union apprenticeships, providing a debt-free route to the middle class. The Battle for Granite City: An update on the ongoing fight to secure long-term investment for U.S. Steel’s Granite City Works. Fair Trade: Why the upcoming USMCA review is a critical moment for domestic manufacturing and trade enforcement. The $15 Minimum Wage: Lessons learned from her time leading wage negotiations in Illinois. Segment 2: Contract Victories with Pat Gallagher Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Labor Federation, breaks down major developments for the United Steelworkers (USW). Libbey Glass Ratification: More than 1,000 workers in Toledo have officially ratified a new agreement, ending a five-month strike marked by hedge fund pressure and demands for concessions. Oil Sector Bargaining: The latest on the tentative agreement with Marathon, designed to set the "pattern" for safety and wage standards across the industry. Global Steel Overcapacity: A look at how the Congressional Steel Caucus is addressing the 700-million-ton global surplus that threatens U.S. jobs. Key Topics Covered: Registered Apprenticeships (LEAP Act) United Steelworkers (USW) Contracts Toledo Libbey Glass Strike Resolution Pattern Bargaining in the Oil Industry USMCA Trade Review and Steel Dumping

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 the high-stakes fight for the Worker Protection Act. He explains why Colorado is the only state in the nation that forces workers to clear a second, 75% "supermajority" vote after already winning their union election. Dougherty breaks down how this "Labor Peace Act" relic allows for employer intimidation and why ending it is the federation's top priority in 2026. Segment 2: Organizing Across 11 Counties Luther Baker, President of the East Central Illinois AFL-CIO and a member of IBEW Local 601, shares the story of a major regional merger. What began as the Champaign County AFL-CIO has now expanded into a unified council covering 11 counties. Baker discusses: His path from fast food management to an IBEW apprenticeship. The role of IBEW RENEW in cultivating young leaders. Strategies for bridging the gap between building trades and public sector unions. What You’ll Learn: Why the "75% rule" in Colorado is a national outlier for labor rights. How central labor councils are modernizing through regional mergers and hybrid governance. The importance of cross-union solidarity in winning first contracts.