Ariel Wittenburg, PEN Guild | Best of 2025: Claude Cummings Jr., CWA

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: The Reality of the Cuts: How 350+ recent layoffs are affecting local families and suppliers. The "Warehouse" Strategy: Why union leaders fear the plant is being transitioned away from production. Tax Incentives vs. Offshoring: A hard look at the $70 million in public support Whirlpool received while expanding production in Mexico. The Call for Accountability: What the IAM Union is doing to demand answers from elected officials. Guests: Sam Cicinelli – IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Todd “Kerry” Waddell – IAM Union District 6 Assisting Business Representative Sandy Freytag – IAM Union Member & 32-year Whirlpool Veteran

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.

On this episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle the critical intersection of benefit access and public safety. In Segment 1, Tera Clizbe, the first female chair of the Blue Cross Blue Shield National Labor Office Executive Board, discusses the evolution of labor-focused healthcare. She breaks down why strong benefits only matter if members can navigate the system, the rising urgency of mental health support, and how labor solidarity drives disaster response in hard-hit communities. In Segment 2, Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department (TTD), AFL-CIO, joins us to discuss the legislative battles surrounding the Jones Act and aviation safety. Regan explains why suspending maritime standards won't fix fuel prices and calls for stronger safety reforms following the 2025 Potomac River midair collision. Plus, an update on protecting the Railroad Retirement Board's administrative capacity.

Today on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast, we tackle two critical issues facing the American workforce: the "benefit cliff" for veterans entering apprenticeships and the rising tide of AI-driven scams targeting Social Security recipients. Segment 1: Jeff Stoffer (American Legion) Jeff Stoffer, Director of the American Legion’s Media and Communications Division, joins the show to discuss the April edition of The American Legion Magazine. We dive into the policy gaps in the GI Bill that make it harder for veterans to pursue union apprenticeships compared to traditional college degrees. We also explore the human side of reintegration and why the skilled trades offer a sense of mission that many veterans crave. Segment 2: Rich Fiesta (Alliance for Retired Americans) Alliance for Retired Americans Executive Director Rich Fiesta discusses the dual threat of Social Security data security and sophisticated online fraud. From potential data mishandling at the SSA to AI-generated voice scams on social media, Fiesta breaks down how the Alliance is fighting for better accountability and providing retirees with the tools to "Stop the Scam." What we discuss in this episode: The decline in GI Bill housing support for apprenticeship participants Why the skilled trades are a natural fit for military veterans The legal battle for Social Security data transparency How AI is making senior scams harder to detect The American Legion’s and the Alliance’s 2026 legislative priorities