America’s Work Force Union Podcast

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 accelerating manufacturing crisis in ...

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 workers across the globe prepare fo...

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 explain why "Food is Medicine" isn't j...

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.

Solano County’s behavioral health workforce isn't warning of a future risk—they are describing a present-tense catastr...

"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.

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 education and other public services.

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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 program.

On this episode of the Amer...

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 the Chicago Federation of Musicians,...

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 Jon Schleuss, President of the News...

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 research analyst at Good Jobs First, a ...

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 History Month.

On today’s episode of th...

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 management practices, the exploitation of...

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 standards.

Jason Monteith, Vice President o...

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 Associate with Amalgamated Transit Union (...

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, Policy Analyst at the Center for Ame...

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 implications for aspiring nurses and or...

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 successful organizing drive at OEM...

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 discuss workforce development efforts i...

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 clean energy companies and labor or...