America’s Work Force Union Podcast

America’s Work Force Union Podcast

America’s Work Force Union Podcast provides a clear and unfiltered voice for the working people of America. Radio veteran Ed “Flash” Ferenc leads the discussion with a focus on topics that include the impact of labor unions in America, workers’ rights, legislative actions and labor-management relations. Featured guests include various labor leaders, politicians, journalists and more. America’s Work Force Union Podcast provides updates and information from sources around the United States and continues to be the trusted voice for workers across the country.

Episodes

November 6, 2025 58 mins

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we were joined by Jackie Tate, President, and Imogen Fox, Bargaining Team Member, Steward, with American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 88, representing Multnomah County employees in Portland, Ore They discussed the union’s current contract negotiations, key workplace challenges such as staffing, wages and trauma support, as well as the g...

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On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Nathan Torian, President of Paducah Professional Firefighters Local 168, and Michael Hall, a firefighter and EMT, gave listeners a look into the strength, unity and heart of their union in Paducah, Ky. 

In this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA), joined the podcast to discuss recent difficultie...

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In this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast Nick Weiner, Organizing Director for the Communications Workers of America (CWA), and Amer Dababneh, Senior Premier Banker at Wells Fargo in Pennsylvania, discussed their organizing efforts across multiple Wells Fargo branches.

As Ohioans head to the polls this Election Day, Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, reflects on the importance of local elections, union member...

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On this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, attorney Jon Wentz of Wentz, McInerney, Peifer & Petroff, LLC, discussed the ongoing conflict between Teamsters Local 284 and the Sutphen Corporation, a leading fire truck manufacturer based in Columbus, Ohio. 

Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of Public Employees (NAPE/AFSCME Local 61), Justin Hubly, has helped revitalize union membership in Nebraska, whic...

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Scott Nelson, history professor at the University of Georgia and author of “Steel Driving Man: John Henry, the Untold Story of an American Legend,” revealed the true story behind the folk hero John Henry. He traced Henry’s journey from being a young convict in Virginia to his death as a steel-driving man building railroad tunnels in the aftermath of the Civil War. Nelson explained how the song “John Henry” became a powerful work ch...

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Sarah Anderson, Global Economic Policy Director at the Institute for Policy Studies, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss IPS's latest report on CEO compensation at America's largest low-wage employers.

Elliot Encarnacion, Governor of the American Guild of Musical Artists, and Martha Kinsella, Regional Director and Counsel for the guild, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a newly ratified t...

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October 30, 2025 46 mins

David Cooper, Director of the Economic Analysis and Research Network at the Economic Policy Institute, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle worker protections across federal agencies, the elimination of minimum wage standards for domestic workers and federal contractors and the need for states to establish their own enforcement mechanisms.

Matt Biggs, President of ...

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Tom Buffenbarger, former General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing Boeing strike, nuclear security concerns amid the government shutdown and China's dominance in shipbuilding and manufacturing.

 

Barbara Robertson, member of Interpreters United (WFSE/AFSCME Local 1671), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to ...

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Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO (TTD), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing government shutdown's impact on transportation workers, the strain on the transportation systems and the addition of the Elevator Constructors Union to the TTD.

Dave Spero, President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast t...

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Alex Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer of LIUNA Local 724, the Hollywood Laborers Union, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing efforts to unionize production assistants in the entertainment industry.

 

Donnie Blatt, District 1 Director of the United Steelworkers, appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss ongoing labor disputes at Libbey Glass, a tentative agreement at Matalis and upcomi...

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Sandy Reding, President of the California Nurses Association and Vice President of National Nurses United, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss Medicaid cuts, collective bargaining rights for federal workers and immigration raids in hospitals.

 

Jana Blunt, field rep for SEIU Local 1021, along with bargaining team members Perry Siu and Paul Perryman, discussed their ongoing struggle for fair compensation in Nova...

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October 22, 2025 48 mins

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Trust, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, the importance of trade shows for industry education and the critical role of proper insulation of mechanical insulation and firestopping materials.

Frank Manzo, Director of the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, joined the America's Work Force Union ...

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Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss crucial issues affecting Ohio educators.

 

Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her new book, "Why Fascists Fear Teachers."

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Patrick Moran, President of AFSCME Maryland Council 3, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact federal budget cuts could have on Maryland's public services. Moran highlighted the ripple effects of federal job losses, the importance of union mobilization and the need for strategic pushback against anti-worker policies.

 

Matt Gunup, President of SEIU Local 580, discussed the alarming working conditions at...

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October 17, 2025 48 mins

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the  American Legion, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing government shutdown's effects on veterans and military personnel.

 

Lisa Cutler, Director of Communications for the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the government shutdown's impact on Social Security beneficiaries and Medicare recip...

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Max Page, President of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Fair Share Amendment, its impact on public education funding and the ongoing fight for equitable taxation.

Pat Gallagher, representing the North Coast Labor Federation, discussed the critical need for American shipbuilding, the impact of tariff uncertainty on industries and the importance of labor-friendl...

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Heidi Shierholz, President of the Economic Policy Institute and former Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Labor, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the erosion of worker protections under the Trump administration, the manipulation of economic data and the importance of unions in today's economy.

Michael Pineda, chief steward at Sutter Delta Medical Center and executive board member of SEIU-UHW, discuss...

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Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of District 4 for the Communication Workers of America, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Keep Call Centers in America Act, broadband infrastructure challenges and the need for more government oversight and work protections in the telecommunications industry.

 

Mary Cochran, Associate Registrar and Greg Bailey, Senior Objects Conservator at the Walters Art Museum in ...

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Justin Sloan, Safety Director at Bosworth Steel Erectors and Harvey Swift, Southern Regional Director of Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the evolution of safety protocols in the ironworking industry.

 

Sarah Dziunycz, President of AFSCME Local 1454, discussed the ongoing contract negotiations for Camden County Library System employees in N...

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October 10, 2025 39 mins

Dr. Millard Brown, Chief Medical Officer at Spring Health, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast on World Mental Health Day to discuss mental health awareness in construction, the value of therapy and how Spring Health is making a difference.

 

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