Union Strong

Department of Labor Update with Commissioner Roberta Reardon

On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, our guest is New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. Commissioner Reardon discusses a variety of topics including the unemployed, job creation, apprenticeship programs, workplace safety and the role unions play in all of it.

 

https://dol.ny.gov/

Labor Day 2021

Newly elected AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler joins us on the Union Strong podcast to talk about Labor’s priorities and what’s behind the growing support of labor unions. 

Fighting for Fairness on a picket line in Brooklyn

The Essential workers at United Metro Energy Corporation in Brooklyn, New York have been on strike since mid-April.

The oil terminal workers are fighting for their first union contract after joining Teamsters Local 553 in 2019.

On the latest Union Strong podcast Andre Soleyn, a terminal worker and leader of the strike, talks about their fight to get what they deserve and their determination to prevail. 

http://teamsters.nyc/locals/local-553/

212-929-6828 call in number for teamsters 553

 

Labor’s role in the fight for social, racial, and economic justice

One year ago, the New York State AFL-CIO created a Social Justice Task Force to serve as a forum for frank and honest dialogue, and more importantly a vehicle for real and meaningful change to make our society and our movement more equitable and just for New Yorkers of color.

On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, CSEA Executive Vice President Denise Berkley is our guest. As a member of the Social Justice Task Force, Denise shares some insights on the work being done and talks about what it takes to build a more perfect union.  

Forming a union should not be this hard

The campaign to unionize workers at the Amazon Warehouse in Bessemer, Alabama has been referred to as the most important labor struggle in more than half a century.

We know the outcome as announced three months ago by the National Labor Relations Board, which determined workers voted against joining a union. That outcome is being challenged by The Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU).

On the latest Union Strong podcast, RWDSU NYC Director and Vice President David Mertz is our guest to discuss the lessons learned from the campaign, including how the PRO Act would have changed the landscape of the union election.

2021 Legislative Wrap Up

The labor movement had a lengthy agenda going into the 2021 legislative session, particularly because of the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we look back at what was an incredibly successful year for labor. New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento is our special guest. 

Detailed breakdown can be found at https://online.flippingbook.com/view/134090400/

Food Insecurity Post Pandemic - How Labor is Helping to Feed Those in Need

The labor movement has a long history of feeding the hungry. During the height of the COVID -19 pandemic meals were provided to more than 125,000 families across an 11-county region around Albany, New York. But now, even with continued signs of recovery, food insecurity remains high, and volunteers are already closing in on serving even more families in 2021.

On this podcast we visit a food bank in the Albany area and talk to Capital District Area Labor Federation Director Mark Emanatian and Sister Betsy Van Deusen of Catholic Charities about what it takes to meet the demand, who is on the receiving end, and what continues to drive the need. 

ccrcda.org

Stories of Hope: Union Members and Organ Donations

After more than a year of COVID-19, Stories of Hope might be exactly what we need.  On the latest Union Strong podcast, we learn about the Donate Life program in New York State.  We will bring you the story of a 5th generation Local 3 IBEW member who is a living donor and a separate story from a retired GMP member whose life was saved through organ donation.

 

https://donatelifenys.org/

Workplace Violence in the Subways

The latest episode of the Union Strong podcast reports on violence in New York City’s subways.

In a pre-recorded interview on Friday, May 14, TWU Local 100 President Tony Utano talked about the need for more police in the subways to keep his members and riders safe.

The following Monday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio finally answered the union’s demands.

While this is a big win for TWU, President Utano says there is more to be done.

Listen to the podcast to learn about the unions' fight to keep our subways safe for workers and riders.

”It was terrifying.” - NYSNA Nurse at Albany Med

Liz Egan is a registered nurse at Albany Medical Center who describes working throughout the height of the COVID pandemic as, "terrifying." 

She is among the nurses who rose to the challenge during COVID, treating patients and saving lives under unimaginable circumstances.

On this podcast, a look behind the scenes at a hospital where nurses are called heroes but treated much differently. 

Nurses at Albany Medical Center chose to belong to a union, the New York State Nurses Association, (NYSNA) three years ago and continue to fight for their first contract.