United Steelworkers Organizing Director Maria Somma joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent landslide election by University of Pittsburgh employees, as 71 percent voted in favor to form a union. Continue reading
John Russo, a Visiting Scholar at the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and Working Poor at Georgetown University, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Great Resignation. He spoke about the reasons why millions of workers in the U.S. are leaving their jobs, either through organized strikes on behalf of labor unions or non-union employees simply walking off the job. Continue reading
The Alliance for Retired Americans is suing the State of Texas over its recent voter suppression law, contending the law is designed to harm seniors, minorities and shift workers by making it more difficult to vote.
Richard Fiesta, the Executive Director at the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the lawsuit.
He also discussed the Biden Administration’s push to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices and what that could mean for seniors. Continue reading
The Department of Veterans Affairs has rolled out a new digital medical records system designed to bridge the patient information gap between the Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. So far, the system has been adapted by the VA hospital in Spokane, Wash., though three more hospitals recently signed on.
Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media & Communications for the American Legion, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the new digital medical records system and what it will mean for veteran patient care.
He also discussed the VA’s handling of the COVID pandemic and counseling opportunities for war veterans suffering from PTSD and depression in the wake of America’s pull out from Afghanistan. Continue reading
Now that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially granted full approval for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, other approvals are expected to quickly follow. As a result, more companies are mandating employees to get vaccinated or face steeper healthcare costs, mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing or outright termination.
Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the future of vaccines in the building trades. Continue reading
Construction is booming in upstate and central New York. With Congress discussing a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, there is the potential for plenty of good union construction jobs for New Yorkers in the future.
Ian Williams, a Business Representative with the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss what New York’s growth outlook means for union jobs and how the NASRCC is recruiting new members to meet the demand. Continue reading
In 2020, prescription drug prices increased at twice the inflation rate of the U.S. economy, according to a recent AARP report. On average, older Americans take 4.7 prescription drugs every month.
Much of the escalating cost is due to a law that created Medicare Part D, passed during the George W. Bush administration. It includes the non-interference clause that prevents the Secretary of Health and Human Services from negotiating the prices of drugs paid by Medicare recipients.
Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a recent ARA poll and why lower prices for Medicare drugs would benefit all Americans. Continue reading
Under the union-friendly Biden Administration, the National Labor Relations Board has become increasingly pro-labor. Soon, members appointed by former President Trump will be replaced. As a result, the board will soon have a labor-friendly majority.
Joyce Goldstein, labor lawyer, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss recent changes to the NLRB and what they mean to the labor movement. Continue reading
Workers at Allegheny Technologies Inc. (ATI) ratified a contract with the United Steelworkers, ending a strike at the company.
North Coast Area Labor Federation President Pat Gallagher discussed the new contract, its terms, why workers went on strike and more on today’s episode of the America’s Workforce Union Podcast. Continue reading
The construction industry is filled with hazards, which makes it imperative for men and women entering the trade to complete a registered apprenticeship program. The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers takes safety seriously, especially for their apprentices.
Iron Workers Director of Safety and Health Wayne Creasap understands firsthand why quality apprenticeship training is crucial for Ironworkers. Creasap discussed workplace injuries, how they happen, how they can be prevented and more on the AWF Union Podcast. Continue reading