Union Strong

Legislative Priorities 2025

In this episode, we are diving into the legislative priorities of the Union Movement for 2025.

Join us as we unpack the critical issues impacting workers today—from the rise of AI and its effect on jobs to the ongoing battle for pro-worker policies in the face of swift changes at the federal level.

Our guest is New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl, who shares insights on the challenges ahead and how our legislative priorities will address them.

 

See the NYS AFL-CIO 2025 Legislative Agenda: https://nysaflcio.org/legislation

Sign up for email or text updates from the NYS AFL-CIO: https://nysaflcio.info/updates

The Fight for Safe Staffing at Albany Med

NYSNA nurses at Albany Medical Center have sounded the alarm about the staffing crisis at the hospital, bravely sharing stories of patients being cared for on emergency room stretchers instead of hospital beds, nurses stretched too thin, and patient care suffering.

On this episode of the Union Strong podcast, we will hear from nurses firsthand about the need for a fair contract that finally addresses safe staffing. 

 

Support the nurses: www.albanymedqualitycare.org

A Labor of Love

Kate Mullany, the pioneer who established the first female union in the United States in Troy, NY, is a figure of immense significance. However, there is a growing concern that many kids are not learning about her role in the union movement or the broader history of unions. The American Labor Studies Center is working to change that. Join us on this episode of the Union Strong podcast to learn about their essential efforts.

Visit the American Labor Studies Center website

Visit the Kate Mullany House website

Workplace Injury Treatment & Prevention

Every year, thousands of workers are injured or become ill on the job. In New York State there is a unique network of occupational health clinics available to workers to prevent injuries and illnesses.

In this podcast, we talk to the medical director at one of the clinics to learn about the services available and how workers can access them.

 

Resources:

Occupational Health Clinic Network website: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/workplace/clinic_network.htm

List of Occupational Health Clinic Network clinics: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/workplace/clinic.htm

Mount Sinai Selikoff website: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/occupational-health

List of Mount Sinai Selikoff locations: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/occupational-health/locations

Legislative Priorities 2024

The 2024 Legislative Session is underway. 

On the latest Union Strong podcast we break down some of the priorities for the Union Movement with New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl.

Stay up to date on NYS AFL-CIO legislative initiatives.

It’s Not a Nursing Shortage; It’s a Staffing Crisis

The New York State Nurses Association is celebrating groundbreaking contract victories and they are building on their solidarity for more fights ahead.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, we hear from Nancy Hagans, president of NYSNA and National Nurses United on their fight to prioritize patient care.

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Sign this petition to demand that Ellis Medicine invest in safe patient care, invest in nurses, and negotiate a fair contract now.

One-on-one with NYSUT’s New President

Melinda Person is an educator, mother of 4, yoga instructor, and Ironman triathlete. She serves as a member of the New York State AFL-CIO Executive Council, and she's the new president of the nearly 700 thousand-member New York State United Teachers – the largest union in the state.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, Melinda talks about the top priorities for NYSUT, discusses some of the challenges ahead, and legislative goals for the coming year.

The State of Labor 2023

On the latest Union Strong podcast, our guest is Mario Cilento, the President of the New York State AFL-CIO. 

In this wide-ranging interview, President Cilento talks about the energy he sees, right now, within the Union Movement and why we are seeing more workers making the difficult decision to strike. He discusses a critical new law passed in New York State that will remove a barrier to union organizing and reminds us of what being a union member means and how life-changing it can be. 

The Singing Electrician

Kyle Viverito is an electrician and member of IBEW Local 3. 

Not too long ago, while on the job doing electrical work at an NHL arena, he started singing and it did not go unnoticed.

He caught the attention of management, and the next thing he knew, he was performing there.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, we will introduce you to the man known as the singing electrician.

See Kyle sing at Union Strong Night at Citi Field on September 2nd! Click here to get tickets.

Union Strong in Buffalo New York

There has been a surge in union activity across the country with more workers deciding to join unions and demanding improved working conditions. One of those regions is in Buffalo, New York, home to the first unionized Starbucks that set into motion a wave of organizing at Starbucks stores across the United States.

On the latest Union Strong podcast, Peter De Jesus, the President of the Western New York Area Labor Federation joins us to talk about the growing union movement, member engagement, and leadership lessons from the Buffalo region.

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