America’s Work Force Union Podcast BMA Media Group

Shawn McLoughlin, Vice-President of Labor and Trust, Jerry Gallo, Regional Vice President of Labor and Trust, and Jenn Delman, and Senior Clinical Specialist, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast on behalf of Sword Health. They discussed the effects of musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders on building trades members and how digital care solutions can help improve health funds services for their members.
Tom Buffenbarger, former International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the design flaws with the 737 Series planes produced by Boeing at a non-union plant in South Carolina.

Jackie Townsend, a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Administrative District Council 1 of Illinois (ADC 1) and bricklaying instructor with Paul Simon Job Corps, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about finding herself in the trowel trades and how the union has positively impacted her life. She also talked about the way that the BAC has helped her carve out a sense of belonging and what she’s doing to provide that to other people.
Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his recent testimony on public transit in America. Regan also discussed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) efforts to set a federal standard for worker protection against extreme temperatures and the positives from Solidarity Summer.

Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for the American Legion, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Stoffer also discussed the impact of the G.I. Bill and previewed an article from July’s edition of the Legion Magazine.
Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the need for better retirement planning. He also discussed upcoming events focused on education for the November election and the Alliance’s Annual Congressional Voting Record.

Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss their recent report, SHOCKWAVES: The Ripple Effect of China’s Industrial Overcapacity on American Manufacturing and Factory Workers. Paul explained how the report is focused on raising awareness about the impact of excess goods and other bad trade practices from Chinese manufacturing companies. 
Pat Gallagher, president of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the costs unions pay to combat bad trade practices and how the labor federation is helping with the Ohio AFL-CIO election plans. He also talked about the efforts to end gerrymandering in the state.

Leonard Aguilar, Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss state legislation creating more problems for labor unions. He also talked about their work to ensure unions lead the renewable energy transition and the 2024 Women’s Summit in Austin.
Grace Heffernan, co-founder and contractor with the Northeast Ohio Worker Center, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss employer wage theft and some of the resources available for workers to recover lost wages from their employers.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT-AFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide an end-of-the-2023-2024 school year recap. Cropper discussed an OFT survey that focused on the factors causing the state's teacher shortage. She also provided an update on recent organizing and contract wins for union members.
June is World Infertility Awareness Month, and in honor of that, Isha Vij, Vice President of Employer Growth at Maven Clinic, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how the organization is helping union members address fertility issues.