Category Archives: Labor Unions

Cargo ships pile up as truck drivers continue delivering goods

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The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic shutdowns have caused global disruptions to the supply chain. As a result, some governments made the decision to intervene in an attempt to correct the negative impacts.

Teamsters Western Region International Vice President Ron Herrera joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the Teamsters are interpreting and handling irregularities in the shipping industry. He also discussed how the U.S. federal government is stepping in to help and what may come of their effort. Continue reading →

UAW applauds Biden’s electric vehicle push

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The Biden administration has made it clear that they want to initiate a number of clean energy initiatives, including the implementation of electric vehicles.

United Auto Workers Legislative Representative Desiree Hoffman broke down the Build Back Better Act on today’s episode of the AWF Union Podcast. She discussed how consumers will be encouraged to purchase electric vehicles, her confidence in the passage of the Build Back Better Act and more. Continue reading →

Supreme Court Justice takes stance on labor law, sends signals

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The U.S. Supreme Court has altered labor law and how it is interpreted throughout the years. Some are now calling into question the stances certain Justices have taken and how they have influenced future cases.

Jenny Hunter, a labor lawyer, writer and consultant joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how one U.S. Supreme Court Justice has influenced labor law throughout the years.

She also discussed how President Biden can counter the GOP strategy of stacking courts with conservative-minded judges. Continue reading →

Apprenticeship fair happening in Cleveland, Ohio

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The construction trades are dealing with the reality of needing to encourage young people to seek a career in the field. As schools and parents pushed students toward college, the construction industry became neglected, surviving off the labor of older generations.

Plumbers Local 55 (Cleveland) President Doreen Cannon joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a building trades focused job fair occurring on Oct. 13.

She also discussed the effort to recruit more women and minorities into the building trades workforce. Continue reading →

Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Center workers fight for higher pay

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After contract negotiations to renew a 2016 contract broke down, court administrators for the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court and Detention Facility ended negotiations in December and kicked out the Laborers International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 860, who represented 135 workers. Recently, Cuyahoga County officials agreed to a pay raise for juvenile court workers from $18 to $24 per hour due to a staffing crisis that led to juveniles being locked down for long periods of time.

LiUNA Local 860 Field Representative Colin Sikon joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss struggles at the detention center, and how Local 860 continues to advocate for higher worker pay despite being locked out of contract negotiations by the court. Continue reading →

Bank employees secure rare union contract

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Last month, workers at Beneficial State Bank ratified their first union contract, an agreement with the Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 7901 and Local 9412. The contract covers 96 workers at 13 bank branches in Oregon, California and Washington, including bankers, consumer loan servicing representatives, loan processors, underwriters, file clerks and custodial staff.

CWA District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what he thinks this contract means for the banking industry and why he thinks it could have a domino effect across the country. Continue reading →

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh understands the challenges workers face

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Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 11 Business Manager Dennis Desmond joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the current pro-union climate in Washington that has been fostered by the Biden Administration, including the appointment of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, who has a strong union background as a member of LiUNA and as the former head of the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions Continue reading →

Exxon workers locked out of refinery as USW continue to negotiate

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Since May 1, about 650 Exxon workers have been locked out of a Beaumont, Texas refinery and packaging plant after contract negotiations between the United Steelworkers (USW) Local 13-243 and management stalled.

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of AFL-CIO and International Vice President of the USW, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the lockout and the USW’s effort to reach an agreement. Continue reading →

Apprenticeship programs expand to meet job market demand

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Barry Davies, Business Manager and Financial Secretary/Treasurer of Ironworkers Local 512, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the Ironworkers apprenticeship program has grown and evolved.

He also discussed the likelihood of the $1.3 trillion infrastructure bill eventually passing and if it passes, whether the Ironworkers will be able to meet the increased demand for skilled workers. Continue reading →

Sen. Brown confident both infrastructure bills will eventually pass

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U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the likelihood of Congress passing both infrastructure bills, including the $1.2 trillion bill before the U.S. House and the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill. Both bills are critical to President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda.

He also spoke about legislation to introduce a 2 percent excise tax on securities repurchased by corporations, and the Power Act, which would provide border agents with handheld devices to more easily detect fentanyl coming over the border. Continue reading →