Although a recent union organizing drive at an Amazon fulfilment center in Alabama failed, union leaders are calling for more organizing attempts as companies continue to undermine workplace safety and worker rights.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 1932 Secretary-Treasurer/Principal Officer Randy Korgan discussed the need to organize Amazon workers on the AWF Union Podcast. Korgan also explained what Teamsters Local 1932 members do and more. Continue reading
Teamsters at United Metro Energy are on strike because of unfair labor practices. Teamsters Local 553 Secretary-Treasurer and Principal Officer Demos Demopoulos joined the AWF Union Podcast to talk about the strike and how United Metro is pushing back against the union. Continue reading
Industrial work is some of the most difficult and dangerous work in the U.S. The training and safety precautions needed to work in a safe manner are great, but some companies are not meeting their responsibility of providing a safe work environment.
Workers at one Marathon refinery were recently locked out after demonstrating a one-day strike. Teamsters Local 120 Chief Union Steward Dean Benson joined AWF Union Podcast to discuss the strike, the lockout, what the workers need to work safely and more. Continue reading
Throughout the country, the labor community is rising up and speaking out against what they feel is a betrayal of local workers, who dedicate portions of their career to training and professionalism.
A recent decision by Marathon at a refinery in Minnesota sparked their labor community to come together in collective action against the petroleum giant. Steamfitters and Pipefitters Local 455 Business Manager Tony Poole joined AWF Union Podcast to detail the action and why it is needed. Continue reading
Pension plans have become one of the more prominent political issues in recent years, as Democrats seek to provide decades worth of funding, while Republicans wish to move on from the issue without action.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Vice President at Large John Murphy discussed pension solvency and the various plans to fix the issue on America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Continue reading
Workplace safety is always an important topic, but has become even more important due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unions have been at the forefront of valuing workplace safety.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 25 Director of Organizing Chris Smolinsky discussed how workers have been affected by the pandemic, the issues that arose and how some addressed these issues by organizing. Continue reading
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t slowed down organizing efforts for many unions, especially the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, who continue to organize workers.
Teamsters Local 79 Business Agent John Sholtes discussed an ongoing organizing drive in Florida, how COVID-19 has affected the effort and what the future holds for organizing on America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Continue reading
The Biden administration began their government by issuing a flurry of executive orders addressing problems that have been kicked down the road from administration to administration.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Trade Policy Specialist Mike Dolan explained why the “Buy American” executive order is good for workers and what more needs to be done to benefit American workers on America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Continue reading
The labor community is celebrating the election of Joe Biden and wins in the U.S. Senate, clearing the way for any blocking of appointment confirmations.
Teamsters Local 777 President Jim Glimco discussed this excitement, how the Illinois governor has been a friend of labor and the 2021 and 2022 outlook for Teamsters Local 777 on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.
Glimco said he is happy that labor-endorsed candidates managed to win control of the White House and U.S. Senate. The wins ensure easy confirmations of President-elect Biden’s nominees, such as Laborer and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh.
He is also excited about the ability to nominate new members to the National Labor Relations Board and a new NLRB General Counsel.
The current Labor Secretary and NLRB managed to push the labor movement back about 40 years, Glimco said. Hopefully the new board will allow for more worker grievances to be heard.
Glimco said Gov. Pritzker has been a friend of the labor community, thanks to his manufacturing background.
The previous governor was not a friend of labor in the slightest. He was one of the leaders in pushing the Janus decision in the Supreme Court.
Glimco said the outlook is strong for the next two years, despite all of the issues going on in the world with COVID-19. He said organizing should have a good year because people are realizing the necessity of unions thanks to the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has put a massive strain on the airline industry, as many have canceled travel plans. Those working in the industry stretches far beyond pilots and flight attendants, it includes caterers mechanics, sanitation workers and more.
International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 455 Business Agent Vince Shaw discussed how they are working to help the employees of one of the largest airline catering maintain their income amidst the pandemic on America’s Work Force Union Podcast. Continue reading