America’s Work Force Union Podcast

On this edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Carie Rael, Assistant Professor in History at California State University, Long Beach, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 1984 Disneyland strike, recent labor victories and the evolving landscape of union representation at the theme park.

Tim Smith, Director of Region 8 for the United Auto Work...

This edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, features Rudi Batzell, Associate Professor of History at Lake Forest College and former UAW Staff Organizer, who joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his book “Organizing Workers in the Shadow of Slavery.” 

Ken Margolies, partner at Margolies, Potterton and Associates, joined the America's Work Force Unio...

On this edition of Labor 131, presented by the National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, D. Caleb Smith, Assistant Professor of History at Mount Holyoke College, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the origins and evolution of affirmative action. Smith explored the term's roots in the 1935 National Labor Relations Act, its development through the Civil Rights era and its current challenge...

In honor of the 131st year of Labor Day, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast has partnered with the National Labor Office of Blue Cross Blue Shield to bring you Labor 131. Visiting lecturer at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Justin Jackson, joined the podcast to discuss the intertwining of labor history and warfare in the U.S. 

Jennifer Bacon, President of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATS...

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the region's construction boom, infrastructure investments and workforce development efforts. 

Fred Redmond, AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed the Labor Congress for Latin American Advancement Convention, t...

Rushab Sanghvi, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) General Counsel, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's legal battles against the Trump administration's anti-union policies. 

Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and Duncan Lawson, Director of Market Intelligence for Government Programs at BCBSA, joined the America’s W...

Brandon Mancilla, Director of Region 9A of the United Auto Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the UAW's recent organizing efforts, involvement in the New York City mayoral race and the ongoing legal services strike.

Jean Thielen, crisis counselor for the Trevor Project, spoke about the recent defunding of the 988 LGBTQ+ crisis hotline, its impact on vulnerable youth and the organization’s ongoing ef...

Sarah Elmaleh, Chair of the Interactive Media Agreement Negotiating Committee for SAG-AFTRA, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union’s recent contract negotiations with major video game studios. 

Greg Regan, recently re-elected as President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, discussed the organization’s 35th anniversary convention, key policy priorities and the challenges facing transport...

Doreen Greenwald, National President of the National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) and April Goggans, President of NTEU Chapter 250, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the challenges facing federal workers. They addressed proposed budget cuts, workforce reductions and the impact on critical services provided by agencies like the IRS and Health and Human Services.

Steve Sallman, Director of Health, Safety a...

Maya C. Miller, politics reporter for CalMatters, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss California's ongoing remote work debate for state workers, California budget challenges and the complexities of affordable housing legislation.

Terrance Hall, a janitor and member of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent contract negotiations, the ...

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act, member assistance programs and the retirement of trailblazer Gina Walsh

Jerry Womick, Business Manager for LIUNA Local 773 and a Midwest Region Special International Representative, discussed the union's growth strategies, infrastructure pro...

Mark Wallace, National President of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential problems with Mexican crews operating trains in the U.S., the push for automated rail operations and the ongoing fight to maintain safety regulations.

Tom Buffenbarger, retired International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, ...

Dr. Valerie Fouts-Fowler, Dr. Lauren Beene and Dr. Jennifer Snyder from Concerned UH Physicians joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their efforts to unionize physicians at University Hospitals in Cleveland, the challenges faced during the organizing process, the retaliation they experienced and the importance of unions in healthcare.

Anders Lindall, Tracy Dulceak and Nell McKeown from American Federation of Sta...

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the organization's centennial baseball tournament, the USA 250 Challenge and the Legion's impact on communities nationwide.

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, discussed the potential impact of budget cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and other programs, as well as their up...

Mark Dimondstein, President of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent ratification of a new contract for postal workers, the appointment of a new Postmaster General with ties to FedEx and the ongoing threats of privatization facing the U.S. Postal Service.

Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Po...

David Cann, Director of Organizing for the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union's response to federal workforce challenges, organizing strategies and the importance of collective action in protecting workers' rights.

Brad Asay, President of the American Federation of Teachers in Utah and Vice President of the Utah AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work ...

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the state budget's impact on education, changes to the State Teachers Retirement System and new legislation affecting higher education in Ohio.

Tom Spiggle, founder of the Spiggle Law Firm and employment attorney, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the pay disparity highlighted by WNBA star...

Andrew Strom, labor lawyer, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions involving a disabled firefighter, an Apple Store in New York and a Starbucks location in Los Angeles.

Bob Funk, founder of LaborLab, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the rise in union-busting activities, the importance of transparency in labor relations and LaborLab's efforts to educate or...