America’s Work Force Union Podcast

BMA Media Group
  • 4.7 (54)
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America’s Work Force Union Podcast provides a clear and unfiltered voice for the working people of America. Radio veteran Ed “Flash” Ferenc leads the discussion with a focus on topics that include the impact of labor unions in America, workers’ rights, legislative actions and labor-management relations. Featured guests include various labor leaders, politicians, journalists and more. America’s Work Force Union Podcast provides updates and information from sources around the United States and continues to be the trusted voice for workers across the country.

  1. 8H AGO

    Books, Blockbusters and Big Raises: OFT and SAG-AFTRA Secure Major Wins

    On this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we examine the "grind" of organizing—and the massive results it's starting to yield across the country. Segment 1: Ohio Library & Education Wins Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joins us to celebrate a historic run of library victories. The Pay Gap: How newly unionized libraries like Worthington have already surpassed regional pay standards, with some workers seeing 9 percent raises. The CML Fight: An update on the Columbus Metropolitan Library union election and why management-led delays are a hurdle for workers. Education Reform: A look at the new national higher education blueprint and first-ever contracts at Menlo Park Academy and CCAD. Segment 2: Keeping Hollywood at Home In our second segment, we pivot to the entertainment industry with Kerri Wood Einertson, Executive Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for SAG-AFTRA. Tax Credit Victory: How California doubled its film and TV tax credit to $750 million, and why expanding to animation and competition shows is a game-changer. The LA Rollback: A look at Mayor Karen Bass’s executive order to reduce filming fees at iconic locations like the Griffith Observatory. The Federal Push: Why SAG-AFTRA is moving toward a stackable federal incentive to ensure American productions can compete with international subsidies and keep 50,000+ background performers working. Subscribe to AWF: Never miss an episode where we go behind the scenes of the labor movement. Visit us online: awf.labortools.com

    42 min

  2. 1D AGO

    NABTU President Sean McGarvey on 300K Apprentices and the OpenAI Partnership

    Live from the 2026 NABTU Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., NABTU President Sean McGarvey joins the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. McGarvey breaks down the landmark NABTU-OpenAI partnership, the record-shattering growth of union apprenticeships, and his urgent call for a bipartisan federal plan to protect workers from AI-driven displacement. As thousands of building trades leaders descend on the nation’s capital, the mission is clear: ensure the workers who build the future aren't left behind by it. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc sits down with Sean McGarvey, President of the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), for an unfiltered look at the state of the industry in 2026. McGarvey discusses the critical intersection of labor and technology, including: The OpenAI Partnership: A deep dive into the $500 billion infrastructure commitment and how it places union crafts at the center of the AI revolution. A "Rite of Spring" in D.C.: The goals of the 2026 NABTU Legislative Conference and why bipartisan engagement remains the union's strongest tool. The Apprenticeship Boom: Why 300,000+ workers are currently in the pipeline and how NABTU added 47,000 net new members in 2025 alone. Infrastructure at a Crossroads: A candid look at why projects funded by the CHIPS Act and IRA are stalling—and how the building trades are fighting back in the courts. The Missing Federal Plan: Why McGarvey is demanding a long-range, bipartisan strategy to support and transition workers displaced by artificial intelligence. "The physical work of building, maintaining, and powering AI infrastructure cannot be automated away... but the transition for the broader workforce needs a plan from the government, and it needs it now." — Sean McGarvey Connect with AWF: Website: awf.labortools.com Follow us: Be sure to subscribe for daily interviews with the leaders and activists building worker power across America.

    42 min

  3. 2D AGO

    The Future of Healthcare Interoperability and Navigating the "Summer of Steel"

    Segment 1: Building a Healthcare System That Works for Working Families Three decades of experience have given Kari Hedges, Senior Vice President of Market Solutions at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, a clear view of what remains broken in American medicine. Joining National Labor Office Executive Director Merrilee Logue, Hedges discusses the urgent need for data interoperability—the ability for different medical systems to share patient records seamlessly. Hedges shares a moving personal story about navigating a fragmented system to save her own mother’s life, illustrating why BCBS is building a new interoperability hub to give physicians a real-time view of a patient's history. We also dive into the impact of electronic prior authorization, which has already shown the potential to resolve 84 percent of cases instantaneously and improve provider efficiency by up to 230 percent. Finally, the pair discusses the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence and the continued expansion of telehealth and behavioral health services for workers facing shift-work barriers.   Segment 2: Steel Benchmarks, Trade Enforcement, and the Ohio Primary In our second segment, Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, breaks down the economic signals heading into a pivotal bargaining season for the United Steelworkers. With hot-rolled coil trading above $1,000 per ton, the industry is entering a strong financial position just as contracts with Cleveland-Cliffs and U.S. Steel are set to expire on September 1. Gallagher also addresses the complexities of trade enforcement and the upcoming USMCA renegotiations, highlighting how "trade cheating"—such as routing Chinese steel through third countries—undercuts American workers. Looking toward the May 5 Ohio primary, Gallagher emphasizes the importance of electing labor voices to the statehouse, backing a slate of union candidates including Davida Russell (AFSCME), Scott Demaro (OHEA), and Brian Poindexter (Ironworkers). Subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for more interviews with the leaders and organizers building worker power across America.

    37 min

  4. 5D AGO

    Honoring the Fallen & Fighting Care Denials: Jeff Stoffer and Rich Fiesta

    Segment 1: Remembrance as an Action Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for The American Legion, joins the show to preview the May issue of The American Legion Magazine. Stoffer breaks down the "Forever Promise" project—a deeply moving Dutch tradition where local families have adopted and tended the graves of over 10,000 U.S. service members since 1945. We also tackle a growing domestic challenge: the staffing crunch facing volunteer honor guards. With over 500,000 veterans passing away annually, Stoffer discusses the urgent need for volunteers to ensure every veteran receives their final salute. Finally, we take a look back at "Doom 34," the record-breaking 35-hour B-52 mission that signaled the start of Operation Desert Storm. Segment 2: The Fight for Medicare & Social Security Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, brings a warning regarding the WISeR pilot program. This initiative is quietly introducing AI-driven prior authorization into traditional Medicare across six states, leading to early reports of care delays and denials. Fiesta explains why this administrative shift—done without a vote in Congress—is a threat to the fee-for-service model seniors rely on. Fiesta also provides updates on: Social Security Data Security: The ongoing legal battle over the handling of sensitive beneficiary information. Tax Confusion: Clarifying the reality of Social Security tax credits versus permanent tax elimination. Legislative Action: The push by Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Greg Landsman to halt the WISeR pilot before it expands nationwide. Show Links & Resources: Learn more about the American Legion: Legion.org Advocate for retirees: RetiredAmericans.org Subscribe to the AWF Union Podcast for more labor news and veteran advocacy.

    36 min

  5. 6D AGO

    Union Ironworker to Congress? Brian Poindexter’s Mission to Reward Work over Wealth

    “Washington needs more people who have worn a tool belt and fewer who take orders from donors.” Today on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we’re joined by Brian Poindexter, a member of Ironworkers Local 17 and a five-term Brook Park City Councilman currently running for Congress in Ohio’s 7th District. Poindexter shares his "old-school" approach to a modern campaign, focusing on door-knocking and direct voter contact over expensive media scripts. We dive into the core of his platform: wages, healthcare and retirement security—issues that impact every working family regardless of party registration. Key highlights from this episode include: The Path to the Middle Class: How a union apprenticeship at age 27 changed Poindexter's life and why he wants to expand that ladder for all workers. A Record of Action: His work in Brook Park opposing so-called “Right-to-Work” and using technology to increase civic transparency. The 7th District Map: Why Poindexter believes political operatives are wrong about Ohio’s 7th and how a pro-worker message can win in suburban and rural communities alike. Major Endorsements: The momentum behind his campaign, including support from the Ohio AFL-CIO, UAW, IAM, Sen. Bernie Sanders and more. The Brook Park Stadium: His perspective on the economic impact and the thousands of union construction jobs tied to the project. Whether you're in the trades or want a government that prioritizes work over wealth, this conversation is a masterclass in grassroots labor politics. Learn more at: https://poindexterforcongress.com/

    35 min

  6. APR 15

    Worker Power & Workplace Rights: The 2026 Midwest Ground Game and the Truth About Free Speech at Work

    Segment 1: The Midwest Primary Ground Game with Frank Mathews The 2026 primary season is officially underway, and for the Communication Workers of America (CWA) District 4, this isn't just a warmup—it's a proving ground. Administrative Director Frank Mathews joins the show to discuss why labor is prioritizing "lived experience" candidates in Ohio and Wisconsin. From the momentum of the Wisconsin Supreme Court victories to the ground game for candidates like Brian Poindexter and Adam Miller, Frank breaks down how member education is driving turnout. Plus: A critical procedural warning for union households on why you must verify your voter registration status now to avoid Election Day surprises. Segment 2: Do You Have Free Speech at Work? with Andrew Strom Most Americans assume the First Amendment follows them into the office, but labor lawyer Andrew Strom reveals a blunt reality: for most private-sector workers, that promise stops at the time clock. Andrew explains the legal gap between public and private employment and why "at-will" work leaves many employees vulnerable to discipline for their personal opinions. We dive into the "just-cause" shield found in union contracts, the rise of social media risks, and why state laws like Connecticut’s offer a blueprint for protecting worker expression without disrupting business operations.

    36 min

  7. APR 14

    How Unions Saved Pensions with IBEW 4th District's International Vice President Austin Keyser

    Five years ago, the American retirement system faced a "cascading collapse" that threatened to wipe out the hard-earned security of union households nationwide. Today, the Butch Lewis Act stands as a landmark victory for organized labor. On this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc sits down with Austin Keyser, International Vice President for the IBEW 4th District. Keyser provides an insider’s look at the high-stakes battle to pass the Act and why it was about much more than just a "bailout." In this episode, we discuss: The Breaking Point: Why the shift in the trucking and industrial sectors created "orphaned" pension obligations. The Firewall Effect: How the Butch Lewis Act prevented a downward spiral that would have bankrupted the PBGC and healthy pension plans alike. Restoring Dignity: The story of retirees who saw their previous benefit cuts reversed and were made whole again. The Legislative Fight: The role of former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and the coordinated union pressure that finally broke years of Washington gridlock. The Future of Retirement: Why the Butch Lewis Act provides a blueprint for expanding and strengthening defined benefit plans for the next generation of workers. More Information: To stay updated on the latest in the labor movement, visit awfpodcast.com. Subscribe for daily interviews with the leaders and activists building worker power across America.

    39 min

  8. APR 13

    UFCW 3000’s Faye Guenther on Strikes, Mergers and Holding the Line

    What does it take to grow a union to 50,000 members across three states? According to UFCW 3000 President Faye Guenther, it isn't a branding exercise—it’s a disciplined strategy of building "strike-ready" leverage. In today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Guenther joins us to pull back the curtain on how Local 3000 became a regional powerhouse. From her roots as the daughter of a seasonal worker to leading one of the most influential locals in the Pacific Northwest, Faye shares the hard-won lessons of organizing in the modern era. We dive deep into: The Power of the Purse: How a $33 million strike fund changes the math at the bargaining table and prevents workers from being "starved out." The "First Contract" Reality Check: Why winning an election is only the beginning, and why preparing for a strike starts on day one. Antitrust Muscle: The inside story of how the union helped block a massive grocery merger to protect communities and jobs. Building Density: Why organizing the "grocery footprint" of retail and tech giants is the next major frontier for labor. Faye’s message is clear: Law follows power, not the other way around. Tune in to hear how UFCW 3000 is rebuilding that power from the shop floor up.

    40 min
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4.7
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About

America’s Work Force Union Podcast provides a clear and unfiltered voice for the working people of America. Radio veteran Ed “Flash” Ferenc leads the discussion with a focus on topics that include the impact of labor unions in America, workers’ rights, legislative actions and labor-management relations. Featured guests include various labor leaders, politicians, journalists and more. America’s Work Force Union Podcast provides updates and information from sources around the United States and continues to be the trusted voice for workers across the country.

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