Union Strong

The executive orders from President Trump are hitting workers hard and fast, leaving them in a constant state of uncertainty about their job security. These drastic changes are not just shaking up the workforce but also endangering vital public services that millions of Americans rely on.

In this episode of the Union Strong Podcast, we will hear the personal story of a disabled Army Veteran who lost her job at the VA and a union pr...

On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we sit down with New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon to discuss the key workforce elements in the Governor's budget proposal, including worker protections, investments in childcare, workforce training initiatives, and more. Tune in for insights that could help shape the future of work.

Website: https://dol.ny.gov/ 

Newsletter: https://public.govdelivery....

In this episode, we are diving into the legislative priorities of the Union Movement for 2025.

Join us as we unpack the critical issues impacting workers today—from the rise of AI and its effect on jobs to the ongoing battle for pro-worker policies in the face of swift changes at the federal level.

Our guest is New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl, who shares insights on the challenges ahead and how our legislativ...

NYSNA nurses at Albany Medical Center have sounded the alarm about the staffing crisis at the hospital, bravely sharing stories of patients being cared for on emergency room stretchers instead of hospital beds, nurses stretched too thin, and patient care suffering.

On this episode of the Union Strong podcast, we will hear from nurses firsthand about the need for a fair contract that finally addresses safe staffing. 

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Kate Mullany, the pioneer who established the first female union in the United States in Troy, NY, is a figure of immense significance. However, there is a growing concern that many kids are not learning about her role in the union movement or the broader history of unions. The American Labor Studies Center is working to change that. Join us on this episode of the Union Strong podcast to learn about their essential efforts.

Visit t...

Every year, thousands of workers are injured or become ill on the job. In New York State there is a unique network of occupational health clinics available to workers to prevent injuries and illnesses.

In this podcast, we talk to the medical director at one of the clinics to learn about the services available and how workers can access them.

Resources:

Occupational Health Clinic Network website: https://www.health.ny.gov/environm...

The New York State Nurses Association is celebrating groundbreaking contract victories and they are building on their solidarity for more fights ahead.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, we hear from Nancy Hagans, president of NYSNA and National Nurses United on their fight to prioritize patient care.

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Sign this petition to demand that Ellis Medicine invest in safe patient care, invest in nurses, and negotiate a fair contract n...

Melinda Person is an educator, mother of 4, yoga instructor, and Ironman triathlete. She serves as a member of the New York State AFL-CIO Executive Council, and she's the new president of the nearly 700 thousand-member New York State United Teachers – the largest union in the state.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, Melinda talks about the top priorities for NYSUT, discusses some of the challenges ahead, and legislative goals for...

On the latest Union Strong podcast, our guest is Mario Cilento, the President of the New York State AFL-CIO. 

In this wide-ranging interview, President Cilento talks about the energy he sees, right now, within the Union Movement and why we are seeing more workers making the difficult decision to strike. He discusses a critical new law passed in New York State that will remove ...

Kyle Viverito is an electrician and member of IBEW Local 3. 

Not too long ago, while on the job doing electrical work at an NHL arena, he started singing and it did not go unnoticed.

He caught the attention of management, and the next thing he knew, he was performing there.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, we will introduce you to the man known as the singing electrician.

See Kyle sing at Union Strong Night at Citi Field on Sept...

There has been a surge in union activity across the country with more workers deciding to join unions and demanding improved working conditions. One of those regions is in Buffalo, New York, home to the first unionized Starbucks that set into motion a wave of organizing at Starbucks stores across the United States.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, Peter De Jesus, the President of the Western New York Area Labor Federation joins ...

The 2023 legislative session has come to an end and there are some big victories for workers including various worker protections and improved Workers’ Compensation.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, our guest is the Legislative Director at the New York State AFL-CIO, Mike Neidl. Mike breaks down the list of legislative victories and explains what they mean to workers.

See the 2023 End of Session Report

See the 2023-24 Final Budg...

We are celebrating our 100th episode by diving into the historic writers’ strike that is making headlines across the country. 

Our guest is the Executive Director of the Writers Guild of America East, Lowell Peterson, who will give us an overview of what this strike, by film and television writers, is all about. 

But first – to commemorate our 100th...

There has been a significant spike in the number of child labor violations reported in New York State over the past year.

What are those violations and what is the state doing to address the increase?

Also, an examination of the gender wage gap. Have we made any progress and what about the so-called motherhood penalty, is it still a thing?

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon joins the podcast to di...

As a union movement, the New York State AFL-CIO has been working with its affiliates to address climate change in a responsible way.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, we discuss thermal energy networks and their role in decarbonizing state-owned campuses and facilities while creating a pipeline to union jobs.

Our guest is John Murphy, International Representative for the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler ...

Addressing climate change presents all sorts of opportunities for workers and unions, but it also puts many good union jobs at risk of elimination which is why the state must maintain flexibility.

As New York State continues to work to reduce emissions and combat climate change, the New York State AFL-CIO has made clear that protecting the rights and interests of workers and their unions must be a priority.

On the latest Union Str...

Combating climate change while protecting workers is a top priority for the union movement, which is why the New York State AFL-CIO along with our affiliates have been involved every step of the way as the state moves toward achieving its ambitious clean energy goals laid out in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).

On the latest Union Strong podcas...

Healthcare workers who are members of 1199 SEIU filled the 17,000-seat MVP arena in downtown Albany this week for one of the largest rallies in the state in decades.

The caregivers, still reeling from three years of the pandemic, are calling on the governor and legislative leaders to invest $2.5 billion in healthcare in the state budget.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, we take you inside the arena and hear from a registered nur...