America's Work Force Union Podcast

The federal government may be swinging the hammer, but workers are building anyway. Jennifer Sherer, deputy director of the Economic Policy Institute's Economic Analysis and Research Network, joins the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss a moment of startling contrasts. Despite a hostile federal environment, approximately 463,000 workers joined unions in 2025. Sherer breaks down how states like Virginia are becoming the new front lines for worker power—banning captive-audience meetings, repealing "right to work" laws and protecting the right to strike when Washington fails to act. But grassroots growth is being met by a "legal ghost" in the courts. In our second segment, labor lawyer Andrew Strom joins us for a post-mortem on the Bobby Reed case. After 13 years of litigation and two victories before the NLRB, the D.C. Circuit Court used a 73-year-old legal doctrine to strip Reed—a 34-year utility veteran—of his federal protections. His "crime"? Testifying before the Texas State Senate about workplace fires without explicitly mentioning a labor dispute. Strom explains how this ruling turns civic participation into a minefield for private-sector workers and why the current Supreme Court makes a rescue unlikely. Featured Guests: Jennifer Sherer: Deputy Director, EARN (Economic Policy Institute) Andrew Strom: Labor Lawyer, Brooklyn Law School professor and OnLabor contributor Inside the Episode: The data behind the 463,000-worker union surge The "Jefferson Standard" and the death of worker free speech Bobby Reed and his 13-year fight for justice

In the construction industry, the most dangerous threat isn’t always a falling object or a site accident—it’s the silent crisis of mental health. In this powerful episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we sit down with Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and the New York State Building and Construction Trades Council. Timed with Mental Health Awareness Month, LaBarbera discusses the launch of a first-of-its-kind, vertically integrated peer support network. Developed in partnership with Cornell University, this program is designed to confront a stark reality: while 1,000 workers die annually from job-site injuries, over 5,000 are lost to suicide. What We Discuss: The 5:1 Crisis: Why death by suicide has become a genuine epidemic in the trades and the unique stressors—from physical pain to "stoic" culture—that drive the risk. The Cornell Framework: How a curriculum designed by labor educators and clinicians is training union members to identify and respond to crises in real-time. Vertical Integration: Why this program is different—allowing a peer supporter from any trade to assist any worker on a job site, regardless of their union affiliation. Industry Solidarity: How the program secured funding from the New York Building Congress Foundation and the pharmaceutical industry to ensure no cost to the workers. "It’s Not Weak to Speak": The human stories behind the initiative, including the tradesman who saved a life on-site by simply being present. "No one ever died by suicide because someone asked if they were okay. People die because no one asked." Resources & Links: NYC Building Trades: nycbuildingtrades.org Get Help Now: If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. More AWF: Subscribe for more stories from the front lines of the labor movement at awfpodcast.com.

The landscape for working people in Ohio is shifting fast. In this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we look at the immediate aftermath of the high-stakes Ohio primary elections and dive into the real-world economic pressures facing local job seekers—from the rapid rise of AI to the expansion of gig-style healthcare work. Segment 1: Ohio Primary Day Breakdown with Tim Burga Fresh off an intense election night, Ohio AFL-CIO President Tim Burga delivers a comprehensive, morning-after analysis of the state's primary results. With approximately three-quarters of labor’s 160 endorsed candidates and issues winning their races—including a massive primary victory by union ironworker Brian Poindexter in Congressional District 7—organized labor has built a solid foundation for the fall. Burga outlines the historic, high-profile November matchups, including Amy Acton vs. Vivek Ramaswamy for Governor and Sherrod Brown vs. John Husted for U.S. Senate, and explains how labor’s boots-on-the-ground network will combat big money and gerrymandered maps. Segment 2: Navigating a Scrambled Job Market with Dave Megenhardt Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency (ULA), joins the show to discuss a massive new survey of 4,000 clients that yielded a staggering 96% approval rating for the agency's services. He pulls back the curtain on how his team builds trust with workers during stressful career transitions and breaks down a local job market that has been "scrambled" by artificial intelligence and an increase in unstable, part-time healthcare roles. Megenhardt also previews a major upcoming logistics shift: the relocation of the Ohio Means Jobs downtown Cleveland office to a new facility in Midtown. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Trust Factor: How treating job seekers with dignity earned the United Labor Agency a 96% client favorability rating at scale. The Stealth Hiring Slowdown: Why companies are quietly holding back on headcount decisions as they evaluate how AI can reduce labor costs. The "Gigification" of Healthcare: The growing disconnect between open entry-level healthcare jobs and quality, full-time careers with benefits. Labor's Primary Momentum: A data breakdown of the primary election where labor-backed candidates won 75% of their races across Ohio. The Path to November: What Democrats need to flip just five seats to break the Republican legislative supermajority in the Ohio House. Ohio Means Jobs Relocation: Details on the July 1 move of the downtown Cleveland office to 61st and the Opportunity Corridor due to the Innerbelt Rebuild project. About the Guests: Tim Burga is the President of the Ohio AFL-CIO, representing hundreds of thousands of union members and leading the federation’s political, legislative, and mobilization ground game. Dave Megenhardt is the Executive Director of the United Labor Agency, leading regional workforce development strategies and connecting job seekers with employers offering "good jobs" across Northeast Ohio. Connect with the Movement: Support workforce development or register for the annual ULA golf outing on June 25: ulagency.org View labor's full list of endorsements and election updates: ohioaflcio.org Subscribe & Review: Never miss an update on the fights that matter to working-class Americans. Hit the Follow button and leave us a review on Podbean!

The Pacific Northwest is at the epicenter of America's green energy future—but building the grid isn't happening fast enough. In this episode, Travis Eri, Business Manager of IBEW Local 125, joins America’s Work Force Union Podcast for a candid look at the state of union electrical work across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana. While data center growth and wildfire-hardening projects are keeping crews busy, a sudden winter slowdown and federal offshore wind lease cancellations have put a real-world strain on local apprentices. Eri reveals why the current infrastructure system is broken, highlighting a single 500kV transmission line project that took an astonishing 20 years to permit. If America wants to meet its climate goals, that pace has to change. Key Takeaways From This Episode: Climate Jobs Oregon: Inside the newly launched nonprofit co-founded by IBEW Local 125 and the Oregon building trades to ensure clean energy projects are built with union labor from day one. The Permitting Crisis: Why bureaucratic delays are the single biggest bottleneck to upgrading our power grid and meeting data center demands. The West Coast Realignment: How the cancellation of offshore wind leases impacted the union pipeline and what it means for the IBEW’s national growth goals. An All-of-the-Above Energy Strategy: Why expanding capacity matters more than just swapping power sources in the Pacific Northwest. About the Guest: Travis Eri has served as the Business Manager for IBEW Local 125 for 21 years. A former utility lineman who traded an aviation degree for a pair of climbing hooks, Eri now oversees a four-state jurisdiction representing 4,500 members. Connect with the Movement: Learn more about IBEW Local 125: ibew125.com Subscribe & Review: Never miss an episode of AWF. Hit that follow button and leave us a review on Podbean!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was once the global gold standard for public health. Today, it faces an existential workforce crisis. In this high-stakes episode, Yolanda Jacobs, President of AFGE Local 2883, pulls back the curtain on the "systematic dismantling" of the CDC. From the elimination of the agency’s EEO office to the mass terminations that left critical health programs in the dark, Jacobs details a workforce in "the gutter" and an institution operating without a permanent director or a recognized union contract. We dive deep into the specific human and operational costs of the 2025–2026 restructuring, including: The Accommodation Crisis: How the elimination of the EEO office on April 1, 2025, has left veterans with PTSD and disabled workers hired under Schedule A facing AWOL charges and removal proposals. The 15-Minute Cutoff: A look at the "indiscriminate" layoffs in February and April 2025, where scientists were cut off from their research files with just minutes of notice, erasing years of progress in chronic disease prevention. Contract "Reneging": Why management has stopped honoring the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), forcing the union to vacate its space and triggering national-level litigation. The Financial Irony: How the denial of reasonable accommodations has triggered over 200 EEO complaints, generating millions in legal fees that contradict the administration's "efficiency" mandate. This isn’t just a labor story—it’s a warning about the stability of the nation’s public health infrastructure. Learn More & Take Action: Stay updated on federal worker rights: afge.org Subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for daily labor insights.

May Day and Workers Memorial Week arrived with a sobering reminder of the stakes for the American labor movement. On today’s episode, we explore the stark contrast between a regional construction explosion in Central Ohio and a national crisis in workplace safety enforcement. Segment 1: The Central Ohio Surge with Dorsey Hager Dorsey Hager, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, discusses a record-breaking apprenticeship outreach event that drew nearly 1,000 people—including 100 non-union workers—lining up for careers in the trades. We also dive into the data center boom, accounting for 40% of regional man-hours, and the critical May 5 Ohio Primary races, where labor-friendly candidates are on the ballot. Segment 2: A National Warning with Fred Redmond AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond joins us to break down the 2026 "Death on the Job" report. With 15 workers dying daily in the U.S., Redmond issues a frank assessment of how current federal OSHA rollbacks are putting lives at risk. We also get an update on new United Steelworkers General President Roxanne Brown’s early leadership as she navigates high-stakes lockouts at NIPSCO and BP Whiting.

The landscape of the American workforce is evolving at lightning speed, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is at the center of the transition. In this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc sits down with Brian Andersen, Business Manager of IBEW Local 601. Together, they dive into the critical state of the trades in 2026, focusing on how Local 601 is meeting the demands of massive regional projects—from semiconductor plant expansions to the continued rollout of renewable energy infrastructure. Key Highlights of Today’s Show: The 2026 Project Pipeline: A look at the current and upcoming project labor agreements (PLAs) driving work in the Champaign-Urbana and Bloomington areas. Recruitment & Retention: How Local 601 is attracting the next generation of "Gold Card" members through industry-leading benefits and wages. The Technology Gap: Why IBEW’s evolving apprenticeship curriculum is essential for navigating the complexities of 21st-century electrical systems. The Union Advantage: Brian breaks down why the "Safety First" culture of IBEW results in better outcomes for both the worker and the contractor. For more information on IBEW Local 601, visit: https://ibew601.org

Is winning a union election enough? In Colorado, the answer is no. On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we dive into two distinct battles where the rules of the game are being rigged against working people—from the statehouse in Denver to the cockpit of the world's largest airlines. Segment 1: The "Second Election" Suppression Andy Jacob, Chief of Staff for SEIU Local 105, joins us to pull back the curtain on Colorado’s Labor Peace Act. Despite a Democratic trifecta, Colorado's union density sits at a staggering 5.9%. Jacob explains: Why Colorado workers are forced to win a second election with a nearly impossible 75 percent threshold just to collect dues. The reality of the Worker Protection Act and why Gov. Jared Polis continues to stand in the way. How the "donor class" is creating a rift in the Democratic Party’s pro-labor rhetoric. Segment 2: Strikes, Munitions, and Monopoly Power Retired IAM Union International President Tom Buffenbarger sounds the alarm on two national crises: The Lake City Strike: Why IAM Local 778 members are striking against Olin Corporation while producing ammunition for active military operations. The Airline Merger Threat: The devastating math behind a potential United-American Airlines merger, which could eliminate 25 percent of jobs and put half of all U.S. flights under one corporate roof. The Spirit Bailout: Why a $500 million federal "fix" might be a recipe for another industry collapse.

Is BP using an ExxonMobil playbook to break the union in Indiana? In this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we dive into the heart of the labor struggle at the BP Whiting refinery. USW Local 7-1 President Eric Schultz joins us to pull back the curtain on the lockout of over 800 union members at the nation's largest inland refinery. Schultz details how BP transitioned from "surface bargaining" to a full-scale lockout, hiring out-of-state replacement workers at a staggering $127 per hour while running the 100-year-old facility at dangerously low capacity. We discuss: The Exxon Playbook: How BP’s lead negotiator is using tactics honed during the infamous Beaumont lockout. The AI Threat: Why BP is demanding workers waive bargaining rights over Artificial Intelligence and employee tracking. Safety Risks: The terrifying reality of operating a century-old refinery with undertrained personnel. Community Solidarity: How the town of Whiting is rallying to support the picket lines. Stand with the workers: Visit supportoilworkers.com to learn how you can help.

Segment 1: The Corporate Welfare Problem Sarah Anderson, Global Economy Director at the Institute for Policy Studies, joins us to break down a staggering new report on America’s 20 largest low-wage employers. While companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Home Depot report record profits and spend billions on stock buybacks, their median worker pay often falls below the threshold for Medicaid and SNAP. Key Discussion Points: The Buyback Betrayal: How Home Depot could have given every employee a $15,000 annual bonus with the money they spent on stock buybacks. Public Subsidies for Poverty Wages: Why taxpayers are effectively picking up the tab for corporate executives’ ultra-wealth. The Policy Solution: Success stories from Portland’s CEO pay-ratio tax and the movement to bring it to LA and San Francisco. Segment 2: Transportation Workers Under Fire Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department (AFL-CIO), returns for his monthly update on the legislative battles in D.C. From "clumsy" bill drafting to the ongoing struggle for TSA dignity, transportation workers are facing a multi-front war. Key Discussion Points: The Overtime Tax Flaw: Why workers covered by the Railway Labor Act are currently excluded from a $25,000 overtime tax deduction—and the coalition of 24 unions fighting to fix it. Second-Class Federal Employees: The urgent need for the TSA Workforce Rights Act to give TSOs the same Title 5 protections as their DHS colleagues. The Jones Act Smoke Screen: Why the administration’s Jones Act waiver is "political theater" that won't actually lower your gas prices. Go Behind the Scenes of the Labor Movement Every victory at the bargaining table starts with workers standing together. Subscribe to the America’s Work Force Union Podcast for daily interviews with the leaders and organizers building worker power across America.

As the University System of Georgia enforces a sweeping return-to-office mandate, staff members are facing a harsh reality: commuting costs are effectively gutting already poverty-level wages. In this episode, we sit down with David Hyde (UCW-GSU Chapter Chair) and Rachel Schrauben Yeates (Kennesaw State University Member-Leader) from UCW-CWA Local 3821. They reveal the staggering data behind the mandate—including a 100 percent increase in retirements at Georgia Tech—and discuss the irony of a Board of Regents that joins meetings via video call while denying those same remote options to their workforce. We dive deep into: How a "Right-to-Work" state organizes without collective bargaining rights. The "Defend Remote Work" campaign and the push for a $41,000 living wage. The upcoming legislative strategy to legalize public sector bargaining in Georgia. Why the RTO mandate is driving a "brain drain" across Atlanta’s major universities.

A major legislative victory is brewing on Capitol Hill. Pete Ielmini, Executive Director of the Mechanical Insulators LMCT, joins the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to announce the introduction of S. 4312—the bipartisan Senate companion bill to the Federal Mechanical Insulation Act. Fresh off the NABTU Legislative Conference, Ielmini pulls back the curtain on the "ground game" in D.C., explaining how in-person visits with senators like Steve Daines (R-MT) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) changed the momentum for this energy-saving bill. In this episode, we also break down the "Four Pillars" of labor currently facing coordinated attacks in Congress: Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wage: Why it’s a consumer protection, not just a union benefit. Registered Apprenticeships: The fight to maintain elite training standards against low-road competition. Housing Project Definitions: How anti-union interests are trying to "redefine" their way out of fair wages. Project Labor Agreements (PLAs): Why these agreements are the gold standard for staying on time and under budget. Ielmini also looks toward the future of work, discussing the massive manhour opportunities in data center construction and the emerging wave of energy generation infrastructure.

On this episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we examine the "grind" of organizing—and the massive results it's starting to yield across the country. Segment 1: Ohio Library & Education Wins Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joins us to celebrate a historic run of library victories. The Pay Gap: How newly unionized libraries like Worthington have already surpassed regional pay standards, with some workers seeing 9 percent raises. The CML Fight: An update on the Columbus Metropolitan Library union election and why management-led delays are a hurdle for workers. Education Reform: A look at the new national higher education blueprint and first-ever contracts at Menlo Park Academy and CCAD. Segment 2: Keeping Hollywood at Home In our second segment, we pivot to the entertainment industry with Kerri Wood Einertson, Executive Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for SAG-AFTRA. Tax Credit Victory: How California doubled its film and TV tax credit to $750 million, and why expanding to animation and competition shows is a game-changer. The LA Rollback: A look at Mayor Karen Bass’s executive order to reduce filming fees at iconic locations like the Griffith Observatory. The Federal Push: Why SAG-AFTRA is moving toward a stackable federal incentive to ensure American productions can compete with international subsidies and keep 50,000+ background performers working. Subscribe to AWF: Never miss an episode where we go behind the scenes of the labor movement. Visit us online: awf.labortools.com

Live from the 2026 NABTU Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., NABTU President Sean McGarvey joins the America’s Work Force Union Podcast. McGarvey breaks down the landmark NABTU-OpenAI partnership, the record-shattering growth of union apprenticeships, and his urgent call for a bipartisan federal plan to protect workers from AI-driven displacement. As thousands of building trades leaders descend on the nation’s capital, the mission is clear: ensure the workers who build the future aren't left behind by it. On today’s episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc sits down with Sean McGarvey, President of the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU), for an unfiltered look at the state of the industry in 2026. McGarvey discusses the critical intersection of labor and technology, including: The OpenAI Partnership: A deep dive into the $500 billion infrastructure commitment and how it places union crafts at the center of the AI revolution. A "Rite of Spring" in D.C.: The goals of the 2026 NABTU Legislative Conference and why bipartisan engagement remains the union's strongest tool. The Apprenticeship Boom: Why 300,000+ workers are currently in the pipeline and how NABTU added 47,000 net new members in 2025 alone. Infrastructure at a Crossroads: A candid look at why projects funded by the CHIPS Act and IRA are stalling—and how the building trades are fighting back in the courts. The Missing Federal Plan: Why McGarvey is demanding a long-range, bipartisan strategy to support and transition workers displaced by artificial intelligence. "The physical work of building, maintaining, and powering AI infrastructure cannot be automated away... but the transition for the broader workforce needs a plan from the government, and it needs it now." — Sean McGarvey Connect with AWF: Website: awf.labortools.com Follow us: Be sure to subscribe for daily interviews with the leaders and activists building worker power across America.

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.