America’s Work Force Union Podcast

Segment 1: Building a Healthcare System That Works for Working Families Three decades of experience have given Kari Hedges, Senior Vice President of Market Solutions at the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, a clear view of what remains broken in American medicine. Joining National Labor Office Executive Director Merrilee Logue, Hedges discusses the urgent need for data interoperability—the ability for different medical systems to share patient records seamlessly. Hedges shares a moving personal story about navigating a fragmented system to save her own mother’s life, illustrating why BCBS is building a new interoperability hub to give physicians a real-time view of a patient's history. We also dive into the impact of electronic prior authorization, which has already shown the potential to resolve 84 percent of cases instantaneously and improve provider efficiency by up to 230 percent. Finally, the pair discusses the responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence and the continued expansion of telehealth and behavioral health services for workers facing shift-work barriers. Segment 2: Steel Benchmarks, Trade Enforcement, and the Ohio Primary In our second segment, Pat Gallagher, President of the North Coast Area Labor Federation, breaks down the economic signals heading into a pivotal bargaining season for the United Steelworkers. With hot-rolled coil trading above $1,000 per ton, the industry is entering a strong financial position just as contracts with Cleveland-Cliffs and U.S. Steel are set to expire on September 1. Gallagher also addresses the complexities of trade enforcement and the upcoming USMCA renegotiations, highlighting how "trade cheating"—such as routing Chinese steel through third countries—undercuts American workers. Looking toward the May 5 Ohio primary, Gallagher emphasizes the importance of electing labor voices to the statehouse, backing a slate of union candidates including Davida Russell (AFSCME), Scott Demaro (OHEA), and Brian Poindexter (Ironworkers). Subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for more interviews with the leaders and organizers building worker power across America.

Segment 1: Remembrance as an Action Jeff Stoffer, Director of Media and Communications for The American Legion, joins the show to preview the May issue of The American Legion Magazine. Stoffer breaks down the "Forever Promise" project—a deeply moving Dutch tradition where local families have adopted and tended the graves of over 10,000 U.S. service members since 1945. We also tackle a growing domestic challenge: the staffing crunch facing volunteer honor guards. With over 500,000 veterans passing away annually, Stoffer discusses the urgent need for volunteers to ensure every veteran receives their final salute. Finally, we take a look back at "Doom 34," the record-breaking 35-hour B-52 mission that signaled the start of Operation Desert Storm. Segment 2: The Fight for Medicare & Social Security Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, brings a warning regarding the WISeR pilot program. This initiative is quietly introducing AI-driven prior authorization into traditional Medicare across six states, leading to early reports of care delays and denials. Fiesta explains why this administrative shift—done without a vote in Congress—is a threat to the fee-for-service model seniors rely on. Fiesta also provides updates on: Social Security Data Security: The ongoing legal battle over the handling of sensitive beneficiary information. Tax Confusion: Clarifying the reality of Social Security tax credits versus permanent tax elimination. Legislative Action: The push by Sen. Patty Murray and Rep. Greg Landsman to halt the WISeR pilot before it expands nationwide. Show Links & Resources: Learn more about the American Legion: Legion.org Advocate for retirees: RetiredAmericans.org Subscribe to the AWF Union Podcast for more labor news and veteran advocacy.

“Washington needs more people who have worn a tool belt and fewer who take orders from donors.” Today on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we’re joined by Brian Poindexter, a member of Ironworkers Local 17 and a five-term Brook Park City Councilman currently running for Congress in Ohio’s 7th District. Poindexter shares his "old-school" approach to a modern campaign, focusing on door-knocking and direct voter contact over expensive media scripts. We dive into the core of his platform: wages, healthcare and retirement security—issues that impact every working family regardless of party registration. Key highlights from this episode include: The Path to the Middle Class: How a union apprenticeship at age 27 changed Poindexter's life and why he wants to expand that ladder for all workers. A Record of Action: His work in Brook Park opposing so-called “Right-to-Work” and using technology to increase civic transparency. The 7th District Map: Why Poindexter believes political operatives are wrong about Ohio’s 7th and how a pro-worker message can win in suburban and rural communities alike. Major Endorsements: The momentum behind his campaign, including support from the Ohio AFL-CIO, UAW, IAM, Sen. Bernie Sanders and more. The Brook Park Stadium: His perspective on the economic impact and the thousands of union construction jobs tied to the project. Whether you're in the trades or want a government that prioritizes work over wealth, this conversation is a masterclass in grassroots labor politics. Learn more at: https://poindexterforcongress.com/

Segment 1: The Midwest Primary Ground Game with Frank Mathews The 2026 primary season is officially underway, and for the Communication Workers of America (CWA) District 4, this isn't just a warmup—it's a proving ground. Administrative Director Frank Mathews joins the show to discuss why labor is prioritizing "lived experience" candidates in Ohio and Wisconsin. From the momentum of the Wisconsin Supreme Court victories to the ground game for candidates like Brian Poindexter and Adam Miller, Frank breaks down how member education is driving turnout. Plus: A critical procedural warning for union households on why you must verify your voter registration status now to avoid Election Day surprises. Segment 2: Do You Have Free Speech at Work? with Andrew Strom Most Americans assume the First Amendment follows them into the office, but labor lawyer Andrew Strom reveals a blunt reality: for most private-sector workers, that promise stops at the time clock. Andrew explains the legal gap between public and private employment and why "at-will" work leaves many employees vulnerable to discipline for their personal opinions. We dive into the "just-cause" shield found in union contracts, the rise of social media risks, and why state laws like Connecticut’s offer a blueprint for protecting worker expression without disrupting business operations.

Five years ago, the American retirement system faced a "cascading collapse" that threatened to wipe out the hard-earned security of union households nationwide. Today, the Butch Lewis Act stands as a landmark victory for organized labor. On this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc sits down with Austin Keyser, International Vice President for the IBEW 4th District. Keyser provides an insider’s look at the high-stakes battle to pass the Act and why it was about much more than just a "bailout." In this episode, we discuss: The Breaking Point: Why the shift in the trucking and industrial sectors created "orphaned" pension obligations. The Firewall Effect: How the Butch Lewis Act prevented a downward spiral that would have bankrupted the PBGC and healthy pension plans alike. Restoring Dignity: The story of retirees who saw their previous benefit cuts reversed and were made whole again. The Legislative Fight: The role of former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and the coordinated union pressure that finally broke years of Washington gridlock. The Future of Retirement: Why the Butch Lewis Act provides a blueprint for expanding and strengthening defined benefit plans for the next generation of workers. More Information: To stay updated on the latest in the labor movement, visit awfpodcast.com. Subscribe for daily interviews with the leaders and activists building worker power across America.

What does it take to grow a union to 50,000 members across three states? According to UFCW 3000 President Faye Guenther, it isn't a branding exercise—it’s a disciplined strategy of building "strike-ready" leverage. In today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Guenther joins us to pull back the curtain on how Local 3000 became a regional powerhouse. From her roots as the daughter of a seasonal worker to leading one of the most influential locals in the Pacific Northwest, Faye shares the hard-won lessons of organizing in the modern era. We dive deep into: The Power of the Purse: How a $33 million strike fund changes the math at the bargaining table and prevents workers from being "starved out." The "First Contract" Reality Check: Why winning an election is only the beginning, and why preparing for a strike starts on day one. Antitrust Muscle: The inside story of how the union helped block a massive grocery merger to protect communities and jobs. Building Density: Why organizing the "grocery footprint" of retail and tech giants is the next major frontier for labor. Faye’s message is clear: Law follows power, not the other way around. Tune in to hear how UFCW 3000 is rebuilding that power from the shop floor up.

Lily Epstein of National Nurses United joins the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to detail the high-stakes battle at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. What began as contract negotiations quickly shifted when nurses uncovered systemic payroll errors, missed-break pay violations and delayed compensation. Epstein explains how these wage-and-hour issues are inextricably linked to chronic understaffing and patient safety. She discusses the decision to involve the D.C. Attorney General, the challenges of working in high-acuity units and how the union provides the structure necessary to hold massive hospital systems accountable. From workplace violence protections to the impact of AI on nursing, this episode covers the frontline fight for respect, safety and fair pay in the nation's capital.

As we move through 2026, the stakes for the American worker have never been higher. International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craft Workers (BAC) President Timothy J. Driscoll joins the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for a deep dive into the shifting landscape of the construction industry. In this episode, we discuss: The Infrastructure Gap: Why scaling back federal investment is a "quality of life" threat for American communities. The Misclassification Epidemic: How "low-road" employers are using the independent contractor loophole to strip benefits from 2 million workers. Technology vs. Craftsmanship: From laser screeds to AI, how the BAC is ensuring technology empowers workers rather than replacing them. A Legacy of Inclusion: Why the union's immigrant roots are the key to its future growth. Don't miss this essential look at how one of America's most storied unions is adapting to a high-tech, high-stakes economy.

Two powerhouses of the American labor movement join the America’s Work Force Union Podcast today to discuss the evolving strategy of the AFL-CIO in the nation’s most critical political and economic hubs. Segment 1: Organizing and AI in the Golden State Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, joins us to explain why California is the nation's primary testing ground for worker-friendly legislation. Gonzalez breaks down: The Enforcement Gap: Why strong labor laws don't matter without accountability for wage theft and safety violations. Organizing at Scale: How the federation added 100,000 members last year through initiatives like the UnionizeCalifornia.org portal. The AI Frontline: Setting guardrails on technology to prevent surveillance and the "deskilling" of the workforce. Segment 2: Mobilizing the Midwest and Honoring the Fallen Tim Burga, President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, provides a status report on the labor-to-labor outreach program as Ohio heads into a high-stakes primary. Burga discusses: The Path to Power: Supporting union members running for office and cutting through "big money" with direct, workplace leafleting and door-to-door canvassing. Political Energy: Why affordability and federal labor attacks are driving record-breaking engagement among Ohio union households. Workers Memorial Day: A look back at the 1940 Willow Grove mine disaster and why the fight for on-the-job safety remains a personal and professional priority for the federation. Join the Fight Every victory at the bargaining table starts with workers standing together. Subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to stay informed on the leaders and organizers building real power across America. Learn more at: awf.labortools.com

“I was looking for a way to move beyond survival work and into something that could support a real future.” Liz Looper spent years in the cycle of low-wage work, juggling the pressures of motherhood and constant financial uncertainty. She knew she needed a change, but like many, she didn’t realize the door to the skilled trades was wide open for her. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Looper joins us to share her inspiring transition into a first-year apprenticeship with Painters District Council 30 (PDC 30) and the North Central Illinois Finishing Trades Institute (NCIFTI). What we discuss in this episode: The Turning Point: How a simple social media post and support from Goodwill led Liz to a life-changing pre-apprenticeship program. Breaking Barriers: Liz’s experience entering a male-dominated field and finding a community of women already thriving in the trades. The Union Advantage: Why the "full package"—including livable wages, retirement security, and essential benefits like pregnancy leave—makes the IUPAT a game-changer for families. A Message to Others: Why it is never too late to start a career that provides a path to the middle class, regardless of your age or background. Liz’s story is a powerful testament to the fact that with persistence, the right training, and union support, a stable and purposeful career is within reach.

Three years after East Palestine, and just weeks after a major chlorine leak at a Washington Court House water plant required a multi-county response, a haunting question remains: Is Ohio actually prepared for the next big one? On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we sit down with Jon Harvey, President of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF). While new state grants were recently announced, Harvey warns that a "check-the-box" approach to safety isn't enough. From the dangerous training gaps in rural counties to the need for a unified command structure that actually works in real-time, this is a raw look at the life-or-death stakes of hazardous materials response. In this episode, we discuss: The Rural/Urban Divide: Why today’s new legislative push for statewide ambulance coverage is only the first step in fixing a broken system. The "Pause" That Saves Lives: Why hazmat scenes require a different mindset than standard fire calls—and why "rushing in" can be a fatal mistake. Legislative Inertia: Why critical safety bills like the Michael Louis Palumbo Jr. Act take years to pass while risks grow every day. Recruitment Crisis: How the physical and emotional toll of the job is changing the face of the fire service in 2026. Don’t miss this critical update on the safety of our communities and the men and women who protect them.

The data center boom is reshaping the Midwest, while at the national level, workers are rising up to demand economic accountability. On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle two defining fronts of the modern labor movement: the massive industrial build-out of digital infrastructure and the nationwide mobilization for affordability and representation. Segment 1: Building the Digital Backbone of Ohio Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, joins us to discuss the staggering scale of data center construction in the region. The Numbers: Why 20 million labor hours are just the beginning for the building trades. The Career Path: How IBEW Local 1105 and others are scaling apprenticeship programs to create six-figure careers without a college degree. The Community Impact: Addressing local concerns and why data centers are a long-term win for the middle class. Segment 2: AFL-CIO Mobilizes for Economic Fairness Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joins the program to discuss why workers are taking to the streets to demand relief from the rising cost of living. The Mobilization: Insights from the "No Kings Day" rallies and the disconnect between Washington policy and kitchen-table math. Voter Education: Why the AFL-CIO is treating the ballot box as a workplace safety and standards issue. A Historic Milestone: A look at Roxanne Brown’s rise to become the 10th International President of the United Steelworkers.

Are the glory days of Midwest manufacturing being dismantled piece by piece? Whirlpool’s latest job cuts in Amana, Iowa, are more than just business adjustments—they are a wake-up call for the American labor movement. In this episode, we sit down with IAM Union leaders and a 30-year plant veteran to discuss the steady erosion of one of Iowa’s most vital manufacturing hubs. From a peak of 3,000 workers to well under 1,000 today, we explore how attrition, line removals and offshoring are hollowing out the community of Amana. Inside this episode: Guests:

The invisible machinery of the American government is under immense strain. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, NTEU National President Doreen Greenwald joins us to pull back the curtain on the mounting crises facing federal employees. From the IRS to the border, federal agencies are battling a "perfect storm" of staffing freezes, buyout programs, and the recurring threat of government shutdowns. In this episode, we discuss: The IRS Staffing Gap: Why the loss of 20,000 employees threatens tax fairness for every American. The Right to Organize: How NTEU is fighting back against legal attacks on collective bargaining and union contracts. Public Safety at Risk: The direct link between federal budget cuts and the integrity of our food safety, consumer protection, and border security. The Protect America’s Workforce Act: A look at the legislative push to safeguard worker rights in the federal sector. Don’t miss this deep dive into why the fight for federal worker rights is actually a fight for the public services we all rely on.

In an industry where 90 percent of new workers quit within the first year, the Deep Sea Fishermen’s Union of the Pacific stands as a testament to the power of organized labor in the most extreme conditions. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, Executive Director James Johnson joins host Ed “Flash” Ferenc to pull back the curtain on the commercial fishing industry. Johnson explains why this Seattle-based organization is the oldest and only independent fishermen's union in the U.S. and how they’ve secured better pay and safer vessels for their members. Topics Discussed: The Nordic Roots: How 19th-century Scandinavian fishermen built the foundation for Seattle’s fishing hub. Survival at Sea: The rigorous maritime training and safety standards that keep union members alive in a hazardous trade. Labor as Stewardship: Why protecting North Pacific fish stocks is a primary labor issue, not a secondary environmental one. The Market Threat: Why wild-caught seafood matters and the impact of climate change and Russian hatcheries on the local ecosystem.

Is your digital identity safe? And is your health plan doing enough to keep you on the job? On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we’re tackling the two biggest frontiers in modern labor: Artificial Intelligence and Nutritional Health. Segment 1: Protecting Your Likeness with SAG-AFTRA First, we’re joined by Jeffrey Bennett, General Counsel for SAG-AFTRA. As AI "cloning" technology accelerates, the threat to performers and broadcasters is no longer science fiction—it’s a daily reality. Bennett breaks down: The NO FAKES Act: Why we need a federal "takedown" system for unauthorized digital replicas. Consent vs. Exploitation: The thin line between innovative tech and labor rights violations. 21st-Century Enforcement: Why 20th-century laws are failing to protect workers in the age of viral synthetic media. Segment 2: Food Is Medicine—A New Frontier in Union Health Later, we shift focus to the kitchen table. Merrilee Logue (National Labor Office) and Sarah Duggan Goldstein (BCBS Association) discuss why "Food Is Medicine" is the next big shift in union benefits. We dive into: Medically Tailored Support: The difference between "supportive groceries" and meals specifically designed for chronic disease management. Prescription Produce: How doctors are now "prescribing" healthy food to help union members stay healthy and avoid costly hospital stays. The Union Advantage: How local leaders can help members navigate these new, often underutilized benefits.

Labor leadership isn’t just about the good days—it’s about holding the line when the pressure is at its peak. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we’re looking at two different fronts where workers are standing their ground. Segment 1: The Human Cost of the TSA Shutdown We’re joined by Johnny Jones, Secretary-Treasurer of AFGE TSA Council 100. Jones pulls back the curtain on the severe financial and emotional strain placed on TSA officers during shutdown-related pay disruptions. From missed mortgages to the deteriorating morale at our nation's checkpoints, we discuss why restoring back pay isn't enough and how the union is fighting to protect collective bargaining rights in a climate of political dysfunction. Segment 2: Leading from the Front in Ohio In honor of Women’s History Month, we welcome back Davida Russell, Secretary-Treasurer of the North Coast Area Labor Federation. Russell discusses the growing trend of union members running for public office and the unique challenges they face in today’s digital political landscape. She offers a "field guide" for activists, emphasizing why worker-centered candidates must stay grounded in service to cut through the noise of modern campaigning. Don’t miss an episode: Subscribe to stay updated on the latest victories and challenges within the labor movement.

Artificial Intelligence might be living in the digital ether, but it’s built on a foundation of concrete, steel and highly specialized mechanical insulation. On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we’re joined by Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust (LMCT). Ielmini breaks down why the AI-driven data center boom is about much more than just faster processors—it’s a massive long-term driver for union construction. We dive deep into: The "Chilled" Reality: Why AI servers require precision insulation to prevent moisture damage and catastrophic system failures. The Power Surge: How the demand for data is forcing a massive expansion of our power infrastructure, creating a "linked" construction cycle for the trades. Beyond the Boom: Why the industry is focused on long-term retention and high-quality apprenticeships to ensure this isn't just a "surge," but a career. Recruitment vs. Reality: Why the mechanical insulation trade is the perfect path for those who want a high-skill, high-wage career that can’t be automated. Don’t just browse the cloud—learn who’s building it.

The America’s Work Force Union Podcast tackles two of the most pressing issues facing the modern industrial landscape: the long-term health of construction workers and the strategic strength of our national defense. Segment 1: 10 Years of Silica Progress Lily Calderon, Health and Safety Director for the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC), joins us to mark the 10th anniversary of the OSHA silica rule. We discuss how the BAC turned a hidden hazard into a regulated standard, the importance of engineering controls like HEPA vacuums, and why "Table 1" guidance needs an update to reflect modern jobsite technology. Segment 2: Defense Capacity & The Skilled Labor Gap Retired IAM Union International President Tom Buffenbarger breaks down why massive defense budgets won’t fix production shortages without a skilled workforce. We explore the erosion of the industrial base, the critical need for apprenticeships in precision machining, and how artificial intelligence is reshaping aerospace manufacturing and strategic planning.

Safety isn't just about a checklist—it’s about a culture that protects the person, not just the project. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we host a powerhouse panel from the Iron Workers Union and the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT). Joining us are International President Kevin Bryenton, Director of Safety and Health Wayne Creasap, and IMPACT CEO Aaron Bast. Together, they bridge the gap between the "old school" traditions of the 1980s and the high-tech, proactive safety standards of 2026. Key topics discussed in this episode: The Evolution of Access: How mobile elevated work platforms changed the game for industrial jobsites and reduced high-risk climbing. Going "OSHA Plus": Why union contractors are now pushing beyond federal minimums to create stricter, safer internal tie-off policies. The Apprenticeship Blueprint: How the culture of "Safety, then Quality, then Production" is being baked into the next generation of Ironworkers. The Invisible Hazard: A candid look at the construction industry’s mental health crisis and why suicide prevention and substance misuse support are now core safety pillars. Proactive Prevention: Moving from "lagging indicators" (accidents that happened) to "upstream" planning to prevent hand injuries and falls before they occur. Whether you're on the column or in the corner office, this episode is a masterclass in how labor-management partnerships are building a safer, more sustainable future for the trades.