America’s Work Force Union Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Dave Green, Director of UAW Region 2B, shared insights on the United Auto Workers' recent contract negotiations and strikes on this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. He highlighted the union's aggressive tactics in 2024, including the use of live updates from UAW President Sean Fain, and discussed the impact of these strategies on company actions, particularly at Stellantis. Green emphasized the importance of strong representation and the ongoing fight for workers' rights, while also addressing the challenges posed by the transition to electric vehicles and the need to secure union jobs in this evolving market.

This episode with Green also covered the diversity of industries now represented by the UAW, which now includes healthcare, aerospace and law enforcement. He discussed the union's organizing efforts, especially in the Southern U.S. and the challenges faced in non-union auto plants. Green underscored the significance of union protections in "at-will" employment states and the phenomenon of non-union plants offering raises in response to UAW contract gains, which he referred to as the "UAW bump."

Sue Martin, President and Secretary-Treasurer of the Nebraska State AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her path to her current role, the challenges faced by workers in Nebraska and the successful efforts to raise the minimum wage through citizen-led initiatives.

Jonathan Light, President and Business Agent of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 8, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to share insights into the contract negotiations between Penn State University and Local 8 members.

As the new year begins, many Americans grapple with mental health challenges exacerbated by holiday stress, unfulfilled resolutions and ongoing societal pressures. To address these concerns, America's Work Force Union Podcast welcomed Alicia Boreman, Clinical Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA) Counseling Center, to discuss the critical importance of mental health support in the workplace and beyond.

Jacob Morrison, President of the North Alabama Area Labor Council and co-host of The Valley Labor Report, joined the America's Workforce Union Podcast to shed light on pressing labor issues facing the state.

Jason Perlman, Political Director for the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the current state of labor in Ohio and the challenges that lie ahead for labor in 2025.

Kenny Smigle, Business Agent for Iron Workers Local 549, joined America’s Workforce Union Podcast to discuss the industry's thriving opportunities and challenges. Based in Wheeling, W.Va., Local 549 is at the forefront of several major infrastructure projects, offering many a pathway to the middle class.

Buddy Malone, Business Manager of the Parkersburg-Marietta Building and Construction Trades Council (PMBTC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the region’s workforce development programs and the state of the construction industry along the Ohio and West Virginia border.

Greg LeRoy, founder of Good Jobs First, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share his insights on combating wage theft, corporate misconduct and protecting workers.

Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council (C/COBCTC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the region's explosive growth and how the building trades are preparing for the future.

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the labor movement's path forward. Redmond discussed the upcoming 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Civil and Human Rights Conference and how it sets the stage for the AFL-CIO's plan for the year.

Wendell Young IV, President of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776 Keystone State, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the recent unionization of Whole Foods workers in Philadelphia, the organizing process, the company’s anti-union tactics and the future of labor relations with the parent company, Amazon.

Jon Schleuss, President of The NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the impact of recent changes to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the ongoing strike at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and the impressive number of first contracts secured by The NewsGuild in 2024.

Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Democratic National Committee's new leadership, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's proposed budget and two anti-union bills under consideration in the Ohio Legislature.

Sara Kilpatrick, Executive Director of the Ohio Conference of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), joined America's Workforce Union Podcast to discuss the implications of Ohio Senate Bill 1 on academic freedom, its anti-union provisions and the broader political motivations behind the proposed legislation.

Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the current state of mechanical insulation recruitment and the industry's efforts to address mental health concerns.

Dan Gallagher, business agent for the United Association’s Pipefitters Local 120 in Cleveland, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to share his career journey and insights into the pipefitting industry, as well as discuss some of the career opportunities available through his Local Union.

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing battle for fair school funding in Ohio and recent federal policy changes impacting educators.

Melissa Wells, Special Assistant to the President of the North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to provide perspective on how enhancing diversity in union construction careers can serve as a pathway to the middle class.