Ben Davis, director of International Affairs spoke with America’s Work Force on Nov. 7 about the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA).
Davis spoke about the USMCA from Mexico’s standpoint and how it needs to focus on worker rights. He mentioned that there were three things that needed to be done to improve Mexican worker rights. First, identify the serious violations of labor rights and what could be done to fix that. Second, implement the Mexican labor law reform that was drawn up after the identification of the labor rights violations. Third, enforce the new labor rights and make sure they cannot be violated without consequences. Davis also discussed the necessity for improving the strength of unions and their representation in Mexico.
Matt McMonagle, partner with Kelley & Ferraro spoke about asbestos and mesothelioma. He discussed why asbestos was banned and the diseases that a person could get from prolonged exposure to asbestos. McMonagle then talked about mesothelioma and how his firm fights cases for people who have mesothelioma. Lastly, he talked about court cases involving the lawn care product called “Round Up”.
AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc spoke about Harvard’s student union threatening to strike unless the school signs off on their new contract.
Steinberg said that her organization aims to combat mass incarceration by reforming the pretrial system in the United States. She talked about how many offenders from low income and over policed neighborhoods are unable to afford their bail and how they could not go to work before their trials as a result, causing them to miss out on potential wages. Bail Project offers bail assistance to low-income Americans and their goal is to show that bail is not necessary to ensure certain offenders return to court for their trials. Since bail is returned at the end of a case, she said that donations to their organization could be used to help make bail for two to three other people per year, maximizing the impact of the money.
Newman began her discussion on censorship by discussing “Banned Books Week.” Banned Books Week is a celebration of a person’s freedom to read and access a book. She talked about Banned Books Week starting many years ago, beginning with the first banned book, Grapes of Wrath because it was “threatening” to California and their workers in agriculture. Newman then talked about censorship of people’s social media channels and workers getting fired for things they post. She said that people will say that the First Amendment should protect them, but it actually does not. If their employer or human resource manager sees something they posted that they deem inappropriate and doesn’t line-up with their company values, the employee could be fired, not being protected under the First Amendment.
Russo first discussed the Youngstown newspaper, The Youngstown Vindicator, and how it is being shut down. He discussed the effect that it would have not only on the community, but also to the newspapers suppliers. Russo explained why it is so important for people to receive their newspaper so they can stay up-to-date with current events, news and more, as it covers their surrounding towns and communities. He then talked about how the newspaper is not the only business being shut down in Youngstown, and as more and more businesses close, it feels as if the city of Youngstown is being wiped off of the map. Lastly, Russo talked about why there needs to be proper communication between Republicans and Democrats if they want to make any progress on any type of law or legislation.
Fred Redmond, United Steelworkers vice president also joined with AWF on July 26. Redmond talked about President Trump manufacturing issues between Republicans and Democrats and how it is a risk to the United States’ democracy. He also spoke about working former general president of the USW, Leo Gerard, and how he paved the way for the success of the steelworkers union during his time in office.
Wilson first discussed the Affordable Care Act and whether or not he believes if it will be around much longer. He talked about the Texas vs. United States case where a judge is claiming that the ACA is unconstitutional and how Americans could be affected without the ACA. Next, Wilson talked about his company, I Sell Health, Inc., and how the various health insurances work. Lastly, Wilson discussed medicare for all, and what would need to be done in order for it to be successful.
Metzger began his time on AWF by talking about the Democratic debates that took place earlier this week. He reviewed what he liked and what he disliked about the change in policy that was discussed by the candidates. Metzger then talked about certain legislation being brought up by congress that would disproportionately benefit certain people while leaving others out. Lastly, he thoroughly talked about how the redistribution of wealth will help families who are living in poverty and give their families a second shot at life.
