Union Strong

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. 

State Budget; A Win For Working People

The New York State budget for 2021-2022 addresses a health and economic crisis like we have never experienced. Fortunately, the President's American Rescue Plan, which labor supported, was enacted. It provided $350 billion in aid to state and local governments.

On this podcast, the President of the New York State AFL-CIO, Mario Cilento talks about how the solidarity of the Labor Movement led to historic victories for working people, from revenue raisers to new industries and much more. 

Passing the PRO Act

Workers in America favor unions and tens of millions of Americans want to join one.

So, what is stopping them? Our labor laws are outdated.

On this podcast we take a deep dive into a generational opportunity that is on our doorstep; passing the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, also known as the PRO Act.

New York State AFL-CIO Chief of Staff Ryan Delgado joins the podcast to explain what the PRO Act is, why it is so important to working people and the opportunity to get it passed.

Labor of Love

The longest serving president of the Western New York Area Labor Federation decides it is time to step aside. On this podcast, a conversation with Richard Lipsitz who spent nearly five decades fighting for the working class. Richard reflects on labor’s past and looks ahead to the many challenges and opportunities for the labor movement's future.