America’s Work Force Union Podcast BMA Media Group

Andrew Strom, a labor lawyer and contributor to the OnLabor blog, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Starbucks case where seven Memphis employees who were leaders in an organizing campaign were fired.
Richard Mack Jr., a worker and union lawyer with Miller Cohen, P.L.C. in Detroit, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about a potential way forward for the UAW to still represent workers at the Mercedes-Benz in Alabama despite losing the union election.

Tim Drea, President of the Illinois AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the pro-labor legislation passed during the Spring Legislative Session in Illinois. He shared details about the ban on captive audience meetings and the new child labor laws awaiting a signature from the Governor.
President of The NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America (TNG-CWA), Jon Schleuss, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the first contract with eight Tribune Publishing newsrooms after five years of negotiations. He also talked about AI in newsrooms and also provided an update on the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Strike.

In honor of World Day Against Child Labor, Reid Maki, the director of child labor issues and coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about his organization's work to end abusive child labor practices. He discussed some of the major violations over the past 18 months in America and how the CLC is educating legislators on proposed legislation that could improve the regulation of child labor.
Rich Jordan, Business Manager of Iron Workers Local 17 in Cleveland, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss hosting the recent Great Lakes District Council Apprentice Competition. He discussed the competition events, the next step for the two highest finishers and the purpose of the competition.

Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of the Communication Workers of America District 4, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the start of District 4’s Conference in Detroit. Mathews talked about proposed legislation against tax breaks for companies that outsource work or anti-union efforts. He also discussed the first year under President Claude Cummings Jr.’s leadership and the upcoming Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action on June 13.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss collusion claims against U.S. oil companies and OPEC and its impact on American workers. He also discussed Chinese companies' efforts to slow the growth of the American solar industry and provided an update on the Nippon Steel acquisition of U.S. Steel.

Jalen Alexander, President of the Social Policy Workers United — affiliated with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 57 — joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Unfair Labor Practice Strike currently underway by the 170 members of the SPWU. He discussed the history of the first contract efforts after negotiations began nearly two years ago and how what he called near-poverty wages for several workers are causing issues during negotiations.
Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the Little Steel Strike that eventually led to the Republic Steel Massacre and how these events would lead to the formation of the United Steelworkers. Redmond also discussed a meeting to help modernize the AFL-CIO’s services to their member organizations, and a new web tool focused on further improving voter education.

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 ongoing efforts to secure a Community Benefits Agreement for the Columbus airport expansion. He also talked about the continued interest in bringing new technology projects to Central Ohio and a recent leaked memo causing a rift between a new Columbus City School Board member and Local unions.
David Green, Director of the United Auto Workers Region 2B, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the recent bargaining and organizing wins for members. Green also talked about the growing issues with Stellantis and members of Local 12 in Toledo, Ohio. Finally, he talked about several training classes and upcoming organizing drives.