Tag Archives: AWF Union Podcast

Zantac users diagnosed with cancer may be entitled to compensation

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Zantac was pulled from store shelves two years ago because its use was linked to various forms of cancer due to the medication containing a product used in the manufacturing of jet fuel.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) as a probable carcinogen. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found the heartburn medication’s use of NDMA could lead to cancer in humans, if taken in a high doses. Sanofi, the manufacturer of the brand-name version of Zantac, recalled its product in 2019. Since then, the company reformulated its recipe, as new versions of the drug sold on shelves today do not contain the cancer-causing chemical.

Brian Kelley, an Associate with Kelley & Ferraro, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the lawsuits filed against Sanofi by people who used Zantac and developed cancer, as well as other lawsuits by relatives of people who passed away after using Zantac and developing cancer. 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 →

The PRO Act is critical to a union’s ability to organize

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International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 7 Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer Jeff Mehrhoff joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the union organizing climate in Wisconsin.

He also spoke about the Rich Trumka PRO Act and how it would affect unions’ efforts to organize and recent efforts made to bridge the communication gap between union leadership and membership. Continue reading →

Delaware construction unions push to grow

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Jim Ascione, Treasurer of the Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Delaware union construction industry, Prevailing Wage and how the federal infrastructure bill would fuel apprenticeship programs by supporting much needed union construction jobs. Continue reading →

Ohio’s new redistricting maps are gerrymandered

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In 2015, Ohio voters approved Issue 1, which was designed to end gerrymandering, when the leading political party designs political districts to favor its politicians. This measure created the Ohio Redistricting Commission, which currently includes five Republicans and two Democrats.

Ohio AFL-CIO Legislative Director Matt Smith, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss political redistricting in Ohio and the efforts to prevent gerrymandering despite Republicans controlling five out of seven seats on the Ohio Redistricting Commission.

He also discussed two voter suppression bills being put forth through the Ohio legislature and the effects those bills could have on voter turnout. Continue reading →

Hollywood production staff authorize strike

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Production staff affiliated with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) voted Monday with a 98 percent consensus to authorize a strike over contract disputes with studio producers. The Union is advocating for better schedules, pay and work conditions.

If IATSE does go on strike, it would completely shut down studio productions for the first time since 1945.

Carl Mulert, National Business Agent of IATSE United Scenic Artists Local 829, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the strike and why artists and production hands are overwhelmingly stressed by Hollywood’s efforts to boost content efforts in the wake of COVID-19. Continue reading →

Sprinkler fitter apprenticeships pave the way to good paying careers that save lives

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In the last year, North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU) affiliates combined to invest roughly $2 billion in training and education. The United Association (UA) invests about $300 million every year to train their apprentices and journeymen.

Tim Coleman, UA Local 669 JATC Recruitment and Outreach Specialist, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss outreach efforts of the JATC, particularly when it comes to sprinkler fitter apprenticeship programs. Continue reading →

SEIU uses Healthy Terminals Act to secure benefits for airport workers

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The Healthy Terminals Act of New Jersey and New York ensures covered airport workers will be paid no less than the Prevailing Wage and be entitled to a standard benefits supplement of $4.54 per hour.

Kevin Brown, Executive Vice President and the New Jersey State Director of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 32BJ, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss how the SEIU recently used the Healthy Terminals Act to secure higher wages, as well and healthcare benefits with no monthly co-premiums, for airport workers. Continue reading →

With an $87 million price tag, Issue 7 is bad news for Columbus

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The only ballot issue to appear on the November ballot in Columbus, Ohio, is Issue 7, which if approved would force the city to create an Energy Conservation, Energy Efficiency and Clean Energy Education and training fund — and remove $87 million from the city’s general fund. It puts the money and oversight in the hands of a limited liability corporation named Pro Energy LLC.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council (C/COBCTC), joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss why Issue 7 is bad news for Columbus.

He also discussed the recent Ohio State Building Trades Convention and a combined graduation ceremony for Building Futures and Driving Futures students. Continue reading →

Lima refinery brings in out of town workers for turn around

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After over 100 years of using local workers during planned shutdowns at a Lima, Ohio refinery, 3,000 out-of-state workers will be brought in instead. The workers will be brought in by Cenovus Energy, which purchased the refinery earlier this year, to conduct inspections, cleaning and equipment replacement.

Mike Knisley, Secretary/Treasurer of the Ohio State Building and Construction Trades Council, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the council’s push to get Cenovus to reconsider the move and why he thinks those talks will ultimately prevail.

He also discussed the recent Ohio State Building Trades Convention and how Ohio manages to be fairly union friendly despite its Republican controlled government. Continue reading →