The Leslie Marshall Show

lesliemarshall

The Only True Democracy in Talk Radio

  1. MAY 3

    Brookfield Zoo Workers in Chicago Fight for Fair Pay—and Animal Safety

    In this episode, Leslie speaks with Andy Ferris, a longtime animal care specialist at Brookfield Zoo and a member of the Teamsters 727 bargaining committee, about an ongoing labor dispute that could lead to a strike. Andy shares what’s happening behind the scenes as workers negotiate with the Chicago Zoological Society over staffing levels, safety concerns, wages, and health care. Despite decades of service, many workers are being asked to accept minimal raises while facing rising costs—and potential cuts to long-standing health benefits. For example, workers were offered less than 4% raises, while the CEO's compensation increased by over 70%!  The conversation also addresses one of the public’s biggest concerns: the well-being of the animals. Andy explains how workers have contingency plans in place to ensure animals are cared for, while also raising concerns about existing staffing shortages that could already be impacting safety. Finally, the discussion pushes back on claims from management that higher wages would drive up ticket prices, highlighting broader questions about priorities, cost of living, and how institutions value the people who keep them running. It’s a candid look at a high-stakes labor fight—one that impacts workers, families, and the animals they care for every day. For more than 100 years, Teamsters Local 727 has represented the hardworking men and women of the Greater Chicago area. They currently represent nearly 10,000 members across a multitude of industries, from bus drivers to trade show workers, pharmacists to zookeepers, funeral directors to parking industry workers. Their top priority is serving the needs of their members, and they firmly believe that a united union is a strong union. Their website is www.TeamstersLocal727.org and their handle on X is @Teamsters727.

    23 min
  2. APR 25

    Worker Safety at Risk: What’s Changed and What’s at Stake

    In this episode, Leslie speaks with Tom Duffy of the United Steelworkers about the urgent state of workplace safety in America ahead of Workers Memorial Day. They begin by reflecting on the meaning of the day, which honors workers who have been killed, injured, or made sick on the job—and why those risks remain a serious concern today. Tom shares insight from decades of experience investigating workplace incidents and advocating for stronger protections. The conversation then turns to recent policy changes and regulatory rollbacks that have weakened key safety standards, including protections against dangerous exposures and extreme working conditions. Tom explains what these changes mean in real terms for workers and why they could lead to more preventable injuries and illnesses. They also discuss the growing strain on the agencies responsible for enforcing workplace safety, with fewer inspectors and reduced resources making it harder to hold companies accountable. Finally, the episode focuses on what workers and unions can do to protect themselves, from pushing for stronger safeguards on the job to advocating for policies that prioritize worker health and safety. It’s a sobering but important conversation about the risks workers face—and the ongoing fight to ensure every worker makes it home safely. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social.

    42 min
  3. APR 21

    Trump Attacks the Environment While Pope Leo Defies Him with Calls for Peace with Iran

    The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET.  Brad is first joined by Bob Deans, Director of Strategic Engagement for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The two discuss the environment ahead of this year's Earth Day, which is this coming Wednesday. The NRDC tracks the Trump administration's actions and proposals that threaten the environment and public health.  They've documented 470 and counting in about a dozen different categories.   They're attacking the 'Clean Water Act,' the 'Clean Air Act,' and the 'Endangered Species Act.'  Learn more at their 'White House Watch.' However, while efforts to combat climate change have regressed on a federal level, there's still real progress happening on the state level in many different parts of the U.S. Brad is then joined by Tara Devlin, host of the 'TARABUSTER' podcast. The pair covers the quagmire of a war that Trump has dragged the country into versus Iran. They also talk about Trump's verbal attacks against Pope Leo because the Pope is encouraging dialogue between the U.S. and Iran instead of more violence. The pair also discusses how the Pope is sticking to the teaching of the gospel in his message of peace, versus those encouraging more attacks vs Iran.  Brad highlights additional clear differences between President Trump and Pope Leo with respect to the 'Sermon on the Mount' in the Gospel of Matthew. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

    42 min
4.8
out of 5
89 Ratings

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The Only True Democracy in Talk Radio

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