Kathy Newman, English professor at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania spoke with America’s Work Force on Sept. 27 to talk about censorship.

Newman began her discussion on censorship by discussing “Banned Books Week.” Banned Books Week is a celebration of a person’s freedom to read and access a book. She talked about Banned Books Week starting many years ago, beginning with the first banned book, Grapes of Wrath because it was “threatening” to California and their workers in agriculture. Newman then talked about censorship of people’s social media channels and workers getting fired for things they post. She said that people will say that the First Amendment should protect them, but it actually does not. If their employer or human resource manager sees something they posted that they deem inappropriate and doesn’t line-up with their company values, the employee could be fired, not being protected under the First Amendment.

Donnie Blatt, United Steelworkers District 1 director spoke with AWF on Sept. 27 about updates with their union. He talked about former General President Leo Gerard and the legacy he left with current General President, Dave McCall. He then talked about the USW union’s new agenda and what their new goal is moving forward with the steel tariffs on China. Lastly, he talked about organizing drives all around his state.

AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc spoke about the General Motors United Auto Workers strike and how GM is receiving a great amount of backlash for taking away striking workers health benefits.

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