Frank Mathews, Administrative Director for the Communication Workers of America (CWA) District 4, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss efforts by workers at Maximus to organize with the CWA to improve healthcare benefits and pay. Continue reading
United Labor Agency (ULA) Executive Director David Megenhardt joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the upcoming Unsung Heroes Dinner, a fundraiser for the ULA that celebrates workers who have benefited unions and their mission. Continue reading
NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America President Jon Schleuss joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the decrease in local news coverage in small communities and how the NewsGuild is fighting to preserve local newsrooms. Continue reading
Worthington Public Libraries United Organizer Tara Shiman joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the vote by librarians and other staff of Worthington Public Libraries to join the Ohio Federation of Teachers union. Continue reading
Russ Jaeger, Business Manager for the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation (SMART) Workers Local 263, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his union’s struggles in the So-Called “Right to Work” state of Iowa, where there is a Republican controlled legislature and governor.
He also spoke about how the COVID-19 pandemic is causing people to rethink ventilation systems and countertop materials.
Lastly, he discussed the SMART registered apprenticeship program and efforts to educate guidance counselors and parents about the benefits of a registered apprenticeship program as a pathway to a solid middle class job. Continue reading
After more than a decade of fighting to secure a negotiated union contract, Comcast technicians in Fairhaven, Mass. signed an agreement in February between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2322 and the cable conglomerate.
Eric Hetrick, Business Manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 2322, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Union’s protracted fight to secure rights, decent wages and benefits for Comcast workers.
He also discussed the company’s anti-union efforts and how the PRO Act would secure regulations to help unions in similar struggles. Continue reading
For the majority of truckers on the road, the time spent waiting in port or for goods to be offloaded is unpaid. This practice robs truckers of a considerable portion of their wages.
Billy Randel, Chief Organizer for the Truckers Movement for Justice, joined America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss why truckers need to unionize to secure better wages and how the Truckers Movement for Justice advocates for truckers rights and higher pay. Continue reading
According to a recent Gallup poll, 68 percent of Americans now approve of labor unions. It is the highest approval rating organized labor has enjoyed since 1965.
Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the increasing popularity of unions and the leadership direction of the AFL-CIO after the passing of Rich Trumka.
Burga also discussed the redistricting of Ohio’s congressional map following the census and how the process continues to be threatened by gerrymandering. Continue reading
As one of the largest and most diverse unions in America, the United Auto Workers (UAW) also fight for the rights of lawyers, librarians, museum professionals and more.
Maida Rosenstein, President of UAW Local 2110, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her work with museum workers, and why museum management often opposes union representation. Continue reading
Organizing has been tough at XPO Logistics, a diverse freight hauling company that does logistics for the likes of Pepsi, Quaker and IKEA. The company has been notoriously anti-union. After holding successful votes for unionization, many locations have struggled to get a first contract.
After a long fight, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters ratified separate contracts for its members in Trenton, N.J. and Miami. The contracts were signed a week apart.
Greg Chockley, National Campaign Coordinator for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Teamster’s efforts to ratify the contracts, anti-union strategies used by XPO during negotiations and more. Continue reading