Union Strong

Call Center Jobs Act

New York State has had a call center outsourcing problem that has resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of call center jobs over the past several years. Companies packed up and moved either out-of-state or out of the country and often after receiving state grants, guaranteed loans and tax benefits. On this podcast the statewide legislative and political director for CWA District 1 explains how a new law aims to change that. 

Elevator Safety Act

Elevators and escalators - we all use them throughout our daily lives. You may be surprised to learn that no license is required for those who oversee or maintain them. That’s about to change with the signing of the Elevator Safety Act. We talk to a representative of the International Union of Elevator Constructors Local One to learn more about the new law. 

Learn more about IUEC Local 1 at https://localoneiuec.com/

Television Diversity Tax Credit

The Television Diversity Tax Credit Bill has been signed into law. We talk to Lowell Peterson, Executive Director of the Writers Guild of America, East to find out how it will change what we watch on television and the new opportunities it will create for writers and directors, who until now were overlooked.

Layoffs at Rochester City Schools

A married couple, a teacher with breast cancer and a paraprofessional expecting a baby have all received layoff notices from the Rochester City School District. The district announced plans to cut more than 150 positions just days before the holidays.

“It’s really heartbreaking what is happening. Children are crying for their teachers. Teachers are crying because they are being severed from their students. It’s a very, very bad situation.” - Adam Urbanski

But - there is hope. On this podcast we hear from the president of the Rochester Teachers Association and the president of the Rochester Association of paraprofessionals about what is at stake and how you can help. 

Send a letter to the board at https://actionnetwork.org/letters/no-classroom-cuts-in-rochester-city-schools/

Attend the Dec. 19 rally and board meeting.

We need as many supporters as possible to turn out to urge the board to reconsider mid-year cuts that would have a devastating impact on our students.

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 19. Rally starts at 4:30 p.m. before the 6 p.m. school board meeting.
WHERE: RCSD District Office, 131 W Broad St., Rochester, NY 14614 [MAP]

• RSVP: Respond to the Facebook event to let us know you're coming and stay up-to-date as Dec. 19 approaches.

A Conversation with Western NY Area Labor Federation President Richard Lipsitz

Ep. 25 –The Western New York Area Labor Federation has one of the highest union membership rates in the country. Listen in on a conversation with the president from that region about its rich labor history, what the future holds and the youth factor.

Treatment of Gig Economy Workers

How will New York State treat workers in the gig-economy? It is a question that will be the subject of debate in the upcoming legislative session. In this episode, we take a look at what is at stake and hear from the legislative director of the New York State AFL-CIO on the federation’s position on gig economy workers.

The New York State AFL-CIO is launching a digital ad campaign to build awareness around the issue of gig economy workers. Click nysaflcio.org/respect to take action and learn more!

The Working Theater

The Working Theater produces plays about bus drivers and baristas, postal workers and police officers amplifying the voice of workers in NYC. Producing Artistic Director Mark Plesent gives us a behind the scenes look at the theater for working people and the unique way they teach about the labor movement.

https://theworkingtheater.org

Keeping New York Moving

TWU Local 100 is in a contract fight with the MTA. We cover everything from the Trash Train competition to the trash email that went public, all on the day of a massive rally taking place tonight in NYC. 

www.twulocal100.org

www.trashtrain.net

 

CSEA President Danny Donohue Retires

The president of CSEA is retiring after leading the 280 thousand member union for 25 years. Danny Donohue talks about some of his biggest challenges, accomplishments and his advice to his successor.

Scabby the Rat vs. the NLRB

Scabby the rat is a powerful tool for organized labor and that’s exactly why the rat is now at the center of a legal battle. The National Labor Relations Board’s general counsel is after Scabby and his inflatable friends attempting to either restrict or outright ban the use of them at protests. On this podcast we discuss the impact Scabby has and speak to an attorney at the forefront of the NLRB case.