Labor Lounge Podcast

Anthony Abrantes & Cyndie Williams
  • 4.8 (11)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Welcome to Labor Lounge Podcast! Co-hosted by Anthony Abrantes, Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, the Carpenter’s Union, and Cyndie Williams, Executive Director of the Carpenter Contractor Trust. We’ll explore the world of organized labor, bringing you behind-the-scenes stories and insights from inspiring union leaders, dedicated partners, and community change-makers. In each episode, we dive into authentic conversation to uncover what unions are really about - beyond the headlines and myths. Tune in, get informed, and find out how organized labor is making a difference!

  1. EP 14: Lt. Governor Austin Davis

    FEB 10

    EP 14: Lt. Governor Austin Davis

    Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joins Anthony and Cyndie to discuss how unions power the middle class and why the state is investing heavily in apprenticeships and workforce development. Raised in a union family, Davis shares how organized labor shaped his path and how it continues to drive economic opportunity and community stability across the Commonwealth. He outlines new funding for career-technical education, the $20B Amazon data-center project with $10M in targeted workforce development, and Pennsylvania’s approach to balancing business growth with worker protections. https://www.pa.gov/ltgovernor https://eascarpenters.org/ https://cctmarketing.org/ 00:00 – Opening and show setup with Anthony and Cyndie 07:41 – Introduction of Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis 08:23 – Austin shares how his union upbringing shaped his values and opportunities 09:55 – How unions create generational wealth and family stability 11:57 – The origins of workers’ rights: weekends, work hours, and safety from union advocacy 12:42 – The ongoing fight to protect organized labor and resist “right to work” efforts 13:38 – Growing up in McKeesport and seeing how unions built stable communities 14:40 – Pennsylvania’s investment in workforce development and apprenticeships 15:48 – Expanding career and technical education to meet the state’s labor demand 16:38 – Balancing business growth with worker protections under the Shapiro administration 17:05 – The $20B Amazon data center investment and workforce development funding 18:27 – Pennsylvania’s commitment to clean and renewable energy projects 19:07 – Bipartisan efforts to speed energy and infrastructure development 20:22 – Bringing both parties together under a shared “Pennsylvania jersey” 21:32 – How cooperation across political lines benefits workers and families 22:22 – The future of organized labor and new union movements across industries 23:46 – Rising union popularity and rebuilding the middle class across all sectors 24:09 – Closing remarks and appreciation for Austin Davis’s leadership

    18 min
  2. EP 13: Wayne Thomas of Kiewit Infrastructure

    JAN 13

    EP 13: Wayne Thomas of Kiewit Infrastructure

    In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie are joined by Kiewit Senior VP Wayne Thomas to discuss the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild in Baltimore: one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region’s history. He explains why Kiewit chose a progressive design-build approach and a voluntary Project Labor Agreement, and how the firm’s partnership with union labor will create hundreds of career-track jobs for local workers. Thomas shares how Kiewit’s hands-on workforce development efforts - community events, school outreach, and even door-to-door recruitment - are helping residents access apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. He also reflects on the company’s 140-year history, its employee-owned structure, and its commitment to building not just bridges, but sustainable middle-class careers. https://www.kiewit.com/ https://eascarpenters.org/ https://cctmarketing.org/ 00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie 01:20 – Introduction of guest Wayne Thomas and overview of his role at Kiewit 02:21 – Wayne shares Kiewit’s 140-year history and employee-owned culture 03:42 – Story of how Wayne joined Kiewit and stayed for nearly four decades 04:51 – How Kiewit grew from bricklaying to national infrastructure leadership 05:49 – The company’s expansion into mining, energy, and heavy construction 06:44 – Discussion on Kiewit’s employee-ownership model and its impact on culture 07:47 – Recounting the Key Bridge collapse and Kiewit’s immediate response 08:49 – How Kiewit was selected for the rebuild and the progressive design-build model 09:52 – The project’s scale, trades involved, and job creation potential 10:57 – Kiewit’s community outreach and workforce development partnerships 12:00 – Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship initiatives for local residents 13:02 – Why Kiewit committed to a voluntary Project Labor Agreement (PLA) 14:01 – The value of union labor and fair pay for skilled tradespeople 15:19 – Economic ripple effects and creation of long-term middle-class careers 16:01 – Community and government collaboration supporting the rebuild 17:05 – Using the Key Bridge project as a model for workforce-driven infrastructure 18:45 – Wayne’s vision for sustained careers, not just temporary jobs 20:03 – How residents can get involved or apply for opportunities on the project 21:02 – Closing reflections and appreciation for partnership between Kiewit and labor

    21 min
  3. EP 12: Governor Phil Murphy

    12/16/2025

    EP 12: Governor Phil Murphy

    In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for a candid conversation about his administration’s enduring partnership with organized labor. Governor Murphy reflects on eight years of landmark achievements: from raising the minimum wage and expanding apprenticeship programs to strengthening collective bargaining, protecting workers from misclassification, and making full pension payments for public employees. He also shares the stories behind recent legislation requiring labor history in public school curriculum and banning “captive audience” meetings, ensuring the next generation understands the legacy of labor rights in America. As he prepares to leave office, Governor Murphy discusses what comes next for labor in New Jersey, the culture shift his administration sparked, and why staying “at the table” will be essential for the future of working families. https://nj.gov/governor/ https://eascarpenters.org/ https://cctmarketing.org/ 00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie 01:20 – Introduction of Governor Phil Murphy and overview of his partnership with labor 02:08 – Discussion of new legislation on labor history curriculum and “captive audience” meetings 03:56 – Governor reflects on the importance of labor education and Peter J. McGuire’s legacy 04:55 – How Murphy’s administration built a comprehensive pro-labor agenda 06:17 – Key achievements: minimum wage, earned sick leave, project labor agreements, and pensions 07:03 – Governor’s advice for the future: stay at the table regardless of political change 08:42 – Reflecting on bipartisan progress and labor’s ongoing influence in New Jersey 09:52 – Major wins for public sector workers and pension reform 10:35 – Misclassification enforcement and whole-of-government approach to worker protection 11:18 – Record investments in infrastructure, education, and job creation 12:04 – How culture change and policy combined to strengthen worker protections 13:14 – The next generation of apprenticeships and workforce development 14:07 – Building lasting change: minimum wage, sick leave, and project labor agreements 15:28 – Governor discusses what’s next after leaving office and plans for the future 17:46 – Closing reflections and gratitude for his legacy with New Jersey’s working families

    19 min
  4. EP 11: Mike Schloff of Maplewoodshop

    11/11/2025

    EP 11: Mike Schloff of Maplewoodshop

    In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Mike Schloff of Maplewoodshop. He is the Founder and CEO of Maplewoodshop, a leading provider in woodworking education solutions for schools, camps, Maker spaces, and community centers. Mike created Maplewoodshop in 2016 with the mission of developing life skills in all children through woodworking. He started by teaching hundreds of students directly, then developed a portable and safe program which contains proprietary equipment, hand tools, and a training program for any classroom teacher. Prior to Maplewoodshop, Mike was an Internet pioneer, building websites in 1995. He led marketing efforts on major accounts at several advertising companies before helping WebMD develop and execute its mobile strategy. Later, Mike helped the publisher, Wiley, develop new digital business models. He sits on the boards of The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts, Congregation Beth El, and the Newark Barringer High School CTE advisory board. https://www.maplewoodshop.com/ https://eascarpenters.org/ https://cctmarketing.org/ 00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie 01:20 – Introduction of guest Mike Schloff and overview of Maplewoodshop 02:26 – Mike explains Maplewoodshop’s mission to build life skills through woodworking 04:20 – Mike shares his early background and how woodworking became his calling 06:00 – Founding of Maplewoodshop and development of the portable classroom model 07:31 – Collaboration with the Carpenters Union and expansion into schools 08:47 – How the program works for teachers without trade backgrounds 09:51 – Benefits for students: learning math, problem-solving, and teamwork 11:13 – Lessons in resilience and confidence from hands-on learning 12:56 – Connecting woodworking to broader life and career skills 14:08 – How non-CTE teachers successfully run woodworking programs 15:11 – Breaking barriers and making woodworking accessible in all schools 16:35 – The need to rebuild respect for trades and hands-on education 18:29 – How early exposure builds confidence, purpose, and opportunity 20:13 – Mike’s experience on the Newark Barringer High School CTE advisory board 23:09 – National expansion and digital training that scales Maplewoodshop’s reach 26:14 – The transformation kids experience through hands-on woodworking 29:52 – Closing reflections on trades education, career pathways, and partnership success

    42 min
  5. EP 10: Labor Lounge LIVE at the New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum

    10/07/2025

    EP 10: Labor Lounge LIVE at the New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum

    In this special episode, Labor Lounge Podcast goes LIVE from the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum by NJBIA. Anthony and Cyndie are joined by powerhouse podcast producers Carey Balogh and Lauren Sleeman of Brand Groupies for a behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast is made - and why podcasting is a powerful tool for brand visibility, business development, and executive thought leadership. https://eascarpenters.org/ https://cctmarketing.org/ https://brandgroupies.com/ 00:00 – Opening welcome to the Labor Lounge LIVE session 01:26 – Cyndie introduces the hosts and Brand Groupies team 02:43 – Anthony promotes upcoming podcast guests and platforms 03:54 – Carey shares how Brand Groupies podcast began 05:25 – Lauren explains why podcasting is the new PR 06:31 – Cyndie describes how she met Brand Groupies and started the show 08:33 – Anthony talks about challenges and benefits of launching a podcast 09:53 – Lauren explains how Brand Groupies handles production for clients 11:07 – Carey emphasizes consistency and social media amplification 12:51 – Lauren reveals the “dirty little secret” of podcast guesting 14:09 – Cyndie and Anthony share what recording days are like 16:05 – Advice for anyone considering starting a podcast 17:35 – Brand Groupies’ success stories and podcast performance 18:49 – Audience Q&A: cost, ROI, and marketing benefits 25:23 – Closing discussion on using podcasts to grow your brand

    29 min
  6. EP 9: Rob Smith of EAS

    09/09/2025

    EP 9: Rob Smith of EAS

    In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Rob Smith, Executive Director of the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers. Rob shares how a family legacy in carpentry and education led him from the field to teaching and ultimately to leading apprenticeship and training across six states and D.C. The conversation explores the evolution of debt-free education into higher education pathways, the impact of the Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program on recruitment and retention, and how technology like virtual reality and iPads is shaping the next generation of tradespeople. Rob also reflects on mentorship, workforce challenges, and why building a level playing field for responsible contractors is essential to the future of union construction. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Rob Smith and his career in carpentry 03:28 – Early influences: family, sports, and the pull toward mentorship 05:28 – Leading a six-state training network and managing challenges 07:11 – Why the training fund merger was necessary and how it works 08:13 – Evolving beyond debt-free education into higher education partnerships 10:30 – University credits and the growing role of higher education in the trades 12:15 – Embracing technology: virtual reality, iPads, and LMS in training 15:05 – How VR reveals real-world readiness in apprentices 16:10 – The origins and impact of the Carpenters Apprentice Ready Program (CARP) 18:21 – Why CARP graduates are better prepared and more likely to succeed 19:19 – Expanding CARP across Pittsburgh, DC, and New Jersey 20:11 – Mentorship’s role in apprenticeship and career growth 22:23 – Preparing apprentices for leadership roles beyond the jobsite 23:31 – Contractor entrepreneurship and new pathways for growth 23:47 – The biggest challenge: creating a level playing field in construction 25:46 – Demand for apprenticeship spots and the jobs gap 26:38 – Defining personal and professional success in leadership 28:47 – Closing reflections on mentorship, success, and the future of the trades

    28 min
  7. EP 8: Tim Wakefield of Dead Calm Seas Marine Services

    08/12/2025

    EP 8: Tim Wakefield of Dead Calm Seas Marine Services

    In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Tim Wakefield, founder and CEO of Dead Calm Seas Marine Services. Tim shares how his Navy background and passion for the ocean led him to build a multimillion-dollar marine services company that now leads projects in offshore wind, salvage, subsea infrastructure, and underwater archeology. The conversation highlights the vital role of safety, training, and union values in high-risk environments, the future of skilled trades in marine construction, and why crossover skills and certifications are key to long-term success in this challenging yet rewarding industry. 00:00 – Introduction to Tim Wakefield and Dead Calm Seas Marine Services 02:40 – How Tim and Anthony met, and how their union partnership began 03:35 – The overlap between marine and land-based construction work 04:00 – Why trust and safety are foundational in offshore diving 05:03 – Building a training center specifically for underwater construction 05:38 – What Dead Calm Seas actually does (diving, salvage, offshore wind, archeology, more) 06:46 – Addressing substandard labor practices and “the race to the bottom” in diving 07:59 – Why ongoing training is essential in high-risk underwater work 08:57 – What “salvage work” really involves, from fires to wreck recovery 10:31 – Tim’s path into diving through the U.S. Navy 11:57 – Union vs. non-union labor practices in international waters 12:42 – Comparing global safety standards: U.S. vs. Europe vs. Asia 13:57 – Why certifications and training create better business outcomes 15:03 – How Dead Calm Seas integrates union workers and shifts jobsite culture 16:09 – The future role of skilled trades and unions in offshore wind development 17:47 – The truth about turnover in commercial diving and why it’s so high 18:25 – The hidden value of paid apprenticeships and crossover skill development 20:56 – How diving as a lifestyle can shape career decisions 21:26 – High-profile jobs: shipwreck salvage and underwater archeology in Peru 23:48 – Giving back: recovering lost soldiers through underwater missions 23:59 – Closing thoughts on the partnership and the future of the industry

    24 min
  8. EP 7: Jack Kocsis of Associated Construction Contractors (ACCNJ)

    07/15/2025

    EP 7: Jack Kocsis of Associated Construction Contractors (ACCNJ)

    In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jack Kocsis Jr., CEO of the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ). With more than 35 years leading the organization, Jack brings a rare depth of experience from both the construction site and the negotiation table. He reflects on the evolution of labor management partnerships, the origins of the Carpenter Contractor Trust, and how listening yes really listening has been the most powerful leadership tool in his career. Jack also shares his perspective on workforce development, public policy, apprenticeship, and the industry's responsibility to adapt and grow. From enforcing laws on wage theft to building bridges between contractors and unions, this conversation lays out what real collaboration in construction looks like and what still needs to change. 01:26 – Introducing Jack Kocsis Jr., CEO of ACCNJ02:39 – Jack’s blue collar roots and journey into construction leadership06:55 – Why the union construction industry is different and more honest07:29 – What ACCNJ does and the value of listening in leadership10:43 – The role of trust, fairness, and communication in successful negotiations11:45 – What healthy labor management partnership really looks like12:04 – The origins of the Carpenter Contractor Trust14:53 – How labor and management built a new model of cooperation15:20 – The challenge of educating policymakers and telling labor’s story17:33 – The real cost of wage theft and misclassification18:00 – A pivotal moment: why labor and management stuck together19:39 – Why lowering wages isn’t the solution for competitiveness20:00 – Apprenticeship, inclusion, and evolving recruitment in the trades22:08 – Disproving the myth that union labor is unproductive or costly23:49 – How contractor success drives union job growth24:24 – Jack’s policy wish: enforcement over new laws25:30 – Connecting agencies to catch unscrupulous contractors26:19 – Changing the culture of the construction industry26:58 – How Jack defines success after 35 years in the industry27:41 – Final thoughts and appreciation for partnership

    28 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Labor Lounge Podcast! Co-hosted by Anthony Abrantes, Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, the Carpenter’s Union, and Cyndie Williams, Executive Director of the Carpenter Contractor Trust. We’ll explore the world of organized labor, bringing you behind-the-scenes stories and insights from inspiring union leaders, dedicated partners, and community change-makers. In each episode, we dive into authentic conversation to uncover what unions are really about - beyond the headlines and myths. Tune in, get informed, and find out how organized labor is making a difference!

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Abrantes & Cyndie Williams
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Anthony Abrantes & Cyndie Williams
  • Show Website
    Labor Lounge Podcast

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