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
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
Construction projects are taking off all over the U.S.
Part of the building boom is driven by a number of projects put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while other projects are being driven by the favorable economy.
On a recent America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association (OPCMIA) International Representative Joe Ciacchi discussed how union members are handling the building boom and the benefits of a registered apprenticeship program. Continue reading
The state of Texas has invested significant taxpayer money into expanding the state’s highway and road system, despite research that claims these projects do little to alleviate congestion.
Texas Observer Executive Editor Megan Kimble has studied road infrastructure throughout the state and wrote about the issues faced by commuters. Kimble joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to explain why Texas roads and highways are dangerous and why the problem has not been solved. Continue reading
President Biden and members of Congress have been hard at work attempting to come to an agreement on an infrastructure plan that will benefit American workers and their families.
United Auto Workers Legislative Representative Desiree Hoffman has been closely tracking the efforts to pass the bill. Hoffman appeared on the AWF Union Podcast to discuss the impact of an infrastructure bill and also touched on drug pricing reform. Continue reading
In these modern times, the definition of infrastructure has changed. Infrastructure is no longer limited to roads and bridges, but now includes communications systems, the electrical grid and access to quality internet.
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) are advocating for a sweeping infrastructure plan that includes state-of-the-art communication systems. CWA District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews described what he believes should be included in a federal infrastructure bill and more on America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Continue reading
Thanks to efforts by President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators, Ohio labor leaders are anticipating an influx of infrastructure projects, including road construction, broadband expansion and more.
Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council Secretary-Treasurer Mike Knisley shared his excited anticipation and hopes lawmakers can come to an agreement on a meaningful infrastructure plan in the near future. Knisley discussed this and more on today’s episode of AWF Union Podcast. Continue reading
The organized labor community relies on solidarity among fellow labor unions and their allies at all levels. This solidarity is splitting, causing rifts in northeast Ohio.
Laborers International Union of North America Local 860 is at odds with politicians and judicial candidates they have previously supported in northeast Ohio. Business Manager/Secretary-Treasurer Anthony Liberatore Jr. explained what is happening regarding one of their contracts in northeast Ohio. He also discussed labor law and infrastructure. Continue reading
Ohio’s public school system has been under attack for years by state politicians. Groups are working to advocate for public schools and find ways to improve them throughout the state.
Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding (OCEAFS) is one such group that has been taking on the task for nearly three decades. OCEAFS Executive Director William Phillis joined the AWF Union Podcast to provide an update on the recently signed Ohio budget, the Fair School Funding Plan and the school voucher system. Continue reading
The last week of June was a busy week for the Ohio legislature, as they worked to pass legislation and quickly get bills signed by Gov. Mike DeWine.
One of the most important bills was the state budget, which DeWine did sign. Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the components of the state budget, various voting bills and infrastructure. Continue reading