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

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, two representatives from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399—Business Agent Pat O'Gorman and Organizer Jesus Ramirez—shared insights into the Local’s efforts to organize in Chicago’s labor landscape. Local 399 represents over 10,000 skilled maintenance employees working across hospitals, hotels, schools and more throughout Illinois and Indiana. The discussion focused on the union’s diverse jurisdiction, educational pathways for the trades, the realities of recruiting young workers and highlights from a major organizing campaign at Advocate Healthcare.

In this edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Davida Russell shared her journey as a union member, a school bus driver and a devoted advocate for the working people in Ohio. Currently the Secretary-Treasurer of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, Russell discussed the challenges she faced during her campaign to be elected mayor of Cleveland Heights, her decision to now run for a state representative seat and her advice for other union members considering political involvement.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, former Occupational Safety and Health Administration Deputy Assistant Secretary and health and safety advocate Jordan Barab discussed the critical state of worker safety in America. As the author of the Confined Space newsletter and an expert with decades of experience, Barab offered a detailed perspective on the underfunding of OSHA, the enforcement process of safety laws and the real stories behind workplace fatalities.

Illinois Economic Policy Institute economist Frank Manzo appeared on this edition of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a study on the state’s pre-apprenticeship programs. Highlighting years of research, Manzo broke down how these initiatives, supported by both federal and state investments, are creating skilled labor pipelines, transforming lives and boosting economic returns in Illinois. His insights shed light on the success of these programs in attracting women and minorities to construction careers, as well as why they’re garnering attention from policymakers and other states.

This episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Jared Ross, Executive Secretary of the South Sound Building and Construction Trades Council — a regional council under the Washington State Building and Construction Trades Council — and Dr. Lorie Thompson, regional network director for the Capital STEM Alliance. The conversation focused on the growing opportunities in construction and trades, the evolving role of education and career pathways and their collaborative success in organizing the second annual “Try a Trade” event in Tacoma, Wash.

Today’s episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featured Steve South, Secretary-Treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 25 in Boston. Representing more than 13,000 workers across public and private sectors, South detailed his union’s fight against Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company aiming to deploy driverless taxis in Boston. The conversation highlighted Waymo’s business model, the risks associated with driverless technology and the far-reaching implications for organized labor and public safety.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Paul Nolley, Executive Director of Project First Rate, joined the show to shine a light on his organization’s approach to promoting union construction in Rockford, Ill. and surrounding counties. Project First Rate is a partnership between union contractors and tradespeople, focusing on quality craftsmanship, apprenticeship opportunities and community impact.

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the AFL-CIO, gave listeners a detailed look at the ongoing fight to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers. He highlighted the Protect America’s Workforce Act and the legislative process currently underway to pass the bill in Congress.

Dave Saucedo, Director of the Airline Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing struggles faced by United Airlines mechanics as they fight for better contract terms, the outsourcing of maintenance work to other countries and the challenges of securing fair contracts under the Railway Labor Act.

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined the show for a conversation about the state’s labor landscape and legislative issues impacting workers.

This episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Ted Pappageorge, Secretary-Treasurer of Culinary Workers Union Local 226. Representing 60,000 members in Las Vegas, Pappageorge joined the podcast to celebrate a landmark achievement: the union's first-ever representation across every major casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The conversation highlighted the union’s decades-long fight for workers’ rights, the details and impact of the newly negotiated contracts and the broader effects of federal policies and industry challenges on both union members and the Las Vegas workforce.

This episode of America’s Workforce Union Podcast spotlights Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, as she commemorates the organization's 60th anniversary. Logue explored the origins of the National Labor Office, the evolving landscape of labor and healthcare, and the partnerships that drive advocacy and support for union members across the nation.

Today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast featured Roxanne Brown, incoming President of the United Steelworkers (USW). As she prepares to become the union’s first female and first African American USW president on March 1, Brown shared her thoughts on the union's legacy of internal promotion, her personal journey within the organization and her urgent concerns about worker safety and the erosion of labor rights.

On the Black Friday episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, joined to talk about the launch of the 2025 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide. Paul, whose organization promotes domestic manufacturing, shared insights about the resurgence of American-made goods and the reasons behind the steady support for buying local.

Happy Thanksgiving! On today’s Thanksgiving Day episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery and Soft Drink Conference, discussed the extraordinary battle for a first contract at Breakthru Beverage facilities across Florida.

Greg LaRoy, Executive Director of Good Jobs First, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast this Thanksgiving to provide insights into the impact of urban density on union jobs and construction wages as showcased in their recent report. The report, “Smart Growth and Good Construction Jobs: How Urban Density Benefits Union Density,” compiles extensive research and case studies that illustrate how smart growth policies and transit access can dramatically shape the union landscape.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Chris Grando, President of the National Union Insulation Contractors Alliance (NUICA), joined the show to discuss the organization, its recent changes and ongoing challenges in the insulation industry. Representing signatory contractors and advancing the mission of partnership between labor and management, Grando offered insights on how NUICA is working to reshape its approach, address market dynamics and build a stronger future for union insulation work across the U.S.

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Trish Belenson, Chapter President of the Service Employees International Union Local 1021, joined the show to shed light on escalating challenges facing education workers in the Oakland Unified School District.

On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Casey Van Den Heuvel, business representative for Sheet Metal Workers Local 104, shared insights into the ongoing challenges faced by union workers in California’s Monterey and Santa Cruz regions. The discussion centered on the fight to maintain Project Labor Agreements (PLA) in Watsonville, the importance of union activism and member engagement, as well as broader challenges related to fair contracting and construction industry standards. Local 104 has over 9,000 members and spans 49 counties in California, from the Oregon border to Ventura County. 

Tom Buffenbarger, independent labor voice and retired International President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the Boeing strike in St. Louis, his thoughts on Ford Motor Company Chairman Jim Farley’s comments on America’s skilled labor shortage and the uncertainties facing the U.S. economy in 2026.