Union Strong

Adult-Use Cannabis – Building a new industry from the ground up in a way that will raise revenue, create good union jobs, and address social, racial, and economic equity.

As we continue to work our way through one of the most challenging health and economic crises in our nation’s history, New York State is facing a multibillion-dollar budget deficit at a time when more and more New Yorkers are relying on vital public services.

The need for adequate state funding could not be more glaring.

One way to address the budget deficit is by legalizing adult-use cannabis. It will not only generate much needed revenue, but it will also create good jobs and address social, racial, and economic equity.

On this podcast our guests are Nikki Kateman, the Political and Communications Director at Local 338 of the RWDSU/UFCW and Tim McNutt, a former prosecutor who is now the Director of Criminal Justice and Employment Initiative at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

 

A step toward diversifying union leadership

Learning from a diverse group of union leaders from all different sectors of the Labor Movement is powerful and rewarding. It is part of what takes place at the New York State AFL-CIO/Cornell Union Leadership Institute (ULI).

On this podcast, DC 37 Director of Field Operations Barbara Terrelonge talks about her own experience going through the ULI program including memorable car rides that made all the difference.

And NYS AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin announces a new union scholarship the state federation is offering for prospective union leaders to ULI.

Scholarship information at nysaflcio.org/lead

 

Stand! A union movie about a union story

It has been described as Norma Rae meets Hamilton - a union movie about a union story with a love story woven throughout. Stand! Is the number one Canadian movie musical that is now available in U. S. theaters, virtually.

On this podcast the film producer, Danny Schur talks about the valuable lessons from the film and how relatable it is to what is happening here in the U.S. today.

Labor’s 2021 Legislative Agenda

On this podcast our guest is Mike Neidl, Legislative Director at the NYS AFL-CIO. Mike will go over labor’s 2021 legislative agenda which was unanimously passed by the New York State AFL-CIO Executive Board earlier this month.

The agenda focuses on lifting up working people by putting in place protections for essential workers and providing support for all workers who continue to suffer as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Labor’s priorities also include revenue raisers to address the budget deficit and a plan to ensure gig economy workers have the same basic rights and protections as all other workers.

NYSPIA’s New President

There is a new president of the union that represents New York State Police Investigators. On this podcast, Tim Dymond talks about changes and challenges ahead for law enforcement and what he wants people to know about the investigators he represents. 

NYSNA Nurses at Albany Medical Center vote to strike

Nurses represented by the New York State Nurses Association have authorized a one-day strike after rejecting a contract offer from Albany Medical Center Hospital. On this podcast we take you outside the hospital where nurses and supporters have gathered to talk about working conditions in the hospital and to explain why nurses have been pushed to the point of walking out during one of the worst pandemics of our time. 

Take action -> https://nysna.salsalabs.org/respectalbanymednurses/index.html or call Dennis McKenna and tell him to negotiate a fair contract (518-262-3830)

What a Biden Presidency will mean for working people

The voters have spoken – Democracy is prevailing. President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are already moving our country forward with plans to beat COVID-19, and get our economy back on track by putting working people first.

 

On this podcast New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento breaks down what the Biden Presidency means for working people and what it will mean for New York State.

In Solidarity with TWU and IAM Airline Mechanics

Airline industry workers, like so many others during this unprecedented health and economic crisis, are teetering on the edge. 

Thousands of airline workers have already received furlough notices, thousands more are wondering if they will be next – and their future lies in the hands of our federal government still unable or unwilling to agree on desperately needed funding to save jobs and support the aviation industry.

In the middle of this crisis, a rogue labor group is attempting to divide union members by raiding the unions that represent mechanics at American Airlines.

On this podcast we talk to the TWU International President John Samuelsen and TWU International Vice President Gary Peterson on what is at stake and why it is happening now.

Labor 2020

With just weeks to go before the general election, we hear from a labor activist who also ran her own successful political campaign on the importance of getting out the vote. Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Council Director Jenn Puja talks about the power behind labor’s endorsement, running for office as a woman and a mother of two, and why it’s so important to get involved. NYS AFL-CIO Chief of Staff Ryan Delgado also joins the podcast to talk about what’s at stake in the upcoming election and what labor is doing to ensure a victory for our endorsed candidates.

Lights out on the entertainment industry

Broadway, one of the biggest tourist destinations in New York City will remain closed for the rest of the year and New York's Metropolitan Opera just canceled its entire season because of the coronavirus. 

 

On this podcast we hear from James Claffey Jr., president of Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) on when and how live performances will return and how workers are coping with the lights out.