Author Archives: awfblog

Unions provide Kentucky workers a safer workplace

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Labor unions are reaching approval ratings and enthusiasm levels not seen in decades. This can partially be credited to working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also because workers now understand their worth and demand better pay and safer work environments.

Although Kentucky is not the most union-friendly state, the labor movement is gaining traction there, as more people are seeing the value of unions. Kentucky AFL-CIO President Bill Londrigan joined AWF Union Podcast to discuss unions in his state, striking coal miners in Alabama and the message they are sending workers throughout the U.S. Continue reading →

Homeless group uses collective bargaining to demand rights

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Working people faced tough times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Millions of people lost their jobs and now face financial hardship. Others, have lived a life of financial hardship and want to fight back.

Nolan Huber Rhoades of the Atlanta Homeless Union joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the group formed and their goals. He also explained the various reasons why people lose their homes and how they can escape homelessness. Continue reading →

Protecting low-wage workers from unfair treatment

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Low-wage workers face a unique set of challenges and often feel trapped for a number of reasons. Sadly, these challenges are amplified if the worker is an immigrant.

Arise Chicago Worker Center Director Laura Garza joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to explain how the organization helps workers combat wage theft and other workplace issues. She also discussed the outlook for immigrant workers under the labor-friendly Biden administration. Continue reading →

Writers organize unions to save stripped down newsrooms

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In recent decades, the news industry has drastically changed, as companies slashed payroll and entire publications have disappeared. Unions and workers have taken notice and are taking action.

Washington-Baltimore NewsGuild (WBNG) President Fatima Hussein joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the labor movement in the news industry. She explained who the WBNG represents, why newspapers have shrunk and more. Continue reading →

Providing opportunities for military veterans in the trades

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The building trades are in need of people who are prepared to work with their hands and understand the importance of teamwork. Programs are popping up all over the U.S. to recruit and pre-train these potential workers.

The International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Trades are advocating for people to choose a career in their trade. On the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management and Cooperative Trust Executive Director Pete Ielmini explained their efforts and how veterans make great tradesmen and tradeswomen. Ielmini also discussed how unions are taking action against companies who participate in union busting. Continue reading →

Biden administration encourages purchase of American-made goods

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The federal government spends large amounts of money purchasing new equipment, preparing reserves and standing ready to help the American people. The Biden White House is ensuring these purchases support American workers and American business.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters are the established professionals when it comes to warehousing and transportation of goods within the U.S. Teamsters Legislative Representative Mike Dolan advocated for an investment of American made goods on the AWF Union Podcast. He also explained how the Biden administration is making the investment happen. Continue reading →

Boeing poised to choose between union built or non-union built aircraft

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As more people receive a COVID-19 vaccination, the airline industry is bouncing back as passengers return to the skies. In turn, airlines are confident in forecasted travel and have placed orders for new aircraft.

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast Independent Labor Voice, Tom Buffenbarger, joined the show to discuss what these orders could mean for union families. He also touched on how some of the work may be lost to non-union workers in So-Called “Right to Work” states. Continue reading →

Boston Insulators push apprenticeship as a quality education

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Union building trades apprenticeships can lead people to a prosperous life with great career skills. For generations, these programs have been the gold standard of construction training.

The members of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers go through one of these rigorous training programs, as apprentices learn the mechanical insulation trade. Insulators Union Local 6 Business Agent Jeff Saliba discussed apprenticeships and why the training is necessary on the AWF Union Podcast. He also discussed Prevailing Wage and other issues in the Boston area. Continue reading →

Transportation union groups await infrastructure funding

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The labor community has patiently waited for Congress to agree on an infrastructure plan. However, it is unclear how much progress was made as talks have stalled over what will be funded.

Transportation Trades Department President Greg Regan discussed what needs to happen in order to pass a plan and what should be included on the AWF Union Podcast. He also discussed the safety of public transit operators and passengers. Continue reading →

CWA launches initiative to expand broadband in the U.S.

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Crafting an infrastructure bill for 2021 and beyond is different than it was 50 years ago. Today, the internet is used in everyday life for many different purposes. Congressional and union leaders are working to ensure broadband improvements are added into any future infrastructure bill.

Kojak Valentine, Communications Workers of America Local 4008 Unit Vice President-IEFS, explained the importance of expanded broadband on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He also discussed the Build Broadband Better project and how it affects Americans. Continue reading →