Union Strong
196 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 45 ratingsUnion Strong is the official podcast of the New York State AFL-CIO. We share stories of working men and women who benefit from belonging to a union and having a voice in the workplace.
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Episodes
Workplace Injury Treatment & Prevention
April 24, 2024 10:00 - 19 minutes - 27.2 MBEvery 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 ...
Legislative Priorities 2024
January 17, 2024 21:56 - 15 minutes - 21 MBThe 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
December 07, 2023 19:58 - 20 minutes - 29 MBThe 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. --- 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
October 10, 2023 21:22 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MBMelinda 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
September 12, 2023 22:50 - 24 minutes - 34 MBOn 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
August 23, 2023 14:25 - 14 minutes - 20.6 MBKyle 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
August 14, 2023 19:01 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBThere 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 engageme...
2023 Legislative Session
June 22, 2023 18:10 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBThe 2023 legislative session has come to an end and there are some big victories for workers including various worker protections and improved Workers’ Compensation. On the latest Union Strong podcast, our guest is the Legislative Director at the New York State AFL-CIO, Mike Neidl. Mike breaks down the list of legislative victories and explains what they mean to workers. See the 2023 End of Session Report See the 2023-24 Final Budget Breakdown
Writers’ Strike
May 11, 2023 14:27 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MBWe are celebrating our 100th episode by diving into the historic writers’ strike that is making headlines across the country. Our guest is the Executive Director of the Writers Guild of America East, Lowell Peterson, who will give us an overview of what this strike, by film and television writers, is all about. But first – to commemorate our 100th episode and look to the future of staying Union Strong, our guest is the President of the New York State AFL-CIO – Mario Cilento. Writers Gui...
Gender Wage Gap and Child Labor
April 11, 2023 10:00 - 18 minutes - 25.9 MBThere has been a significant spike in the number of child labor violations reported in New York State over the past year. What are those violations and what is the state doing to address the increase? Also, an examination of the gender wage gap. Have we made any progress and what about the so-called motherhood penalty, is it still a thing? New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon joins the podcast to discuss how the DOL is using the Child Labor Task Force and a new ...
Thermal Energy Networks; A Pipeline To Union Jobs
March 30, 2023 20:05 - 11 minutes - 16.1 MBAs a union movement, the New York State AFL-CIO has been working with its affiliates to address climate change in a responsible way. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we discuss thermal energy networks and their role in decarbonizing state-owned campuses and facilities while creating a pipeline to union jobs. Our guest is John Murphy, International Representative for the United Association of Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Sprinkler Fitters in NY. Visit UpgradeNY.org to learn more. See Upg...
Reducing Emissions While Protecting Good Jobs
March 29, 2023 13:49 - 12 minutes - 16.9 MBAddressing climate change presents all sorts of opportunities for workers and unions, but it also puts many good union jobs at risk of elimination which is why the state must maintain flexibility. As New York State continues to work to reduce emissions and combat climate change, the New York State AFL-CIO has made clear that protecting the rights and interests of workers and their unions must be a priority. On the latest Union Strong podcast, David Wasiura, Assistant to the Director of Un...
The Union Movement’s Climate Goals
March 27, 2023 15:32 - 11 minutes - 15.4 MBCombating climate change while protecting workers is a top priority for the union movement, which is why the New York State AFL-CIO along with our affiliates have been involved every step of the way as the state moves toward achieving its ambitious clean energy goals laid out in the 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). On the latest Union Strong podcast, New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento discusses how the state can address climate change in a responsibl...
Healthcare Workers Hold Historic Rally in Albany
March 23, 2023 17:42 - 11 minutes - 15.7 MBHealthcare workers who are members of 1199 SEIU filled the 17,000-seat MVP arena in downtown Albany this week for one of the largest rallies in the state in decades. The caregivers, still reeling from three years of the pandemic, are calling on the governor and legislative leaders to invest $2.5 billion in healthcare in the state budget. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we take you inside the arena and hear from a registered nurse who talks about the dire state of our healthcare system.
Protecting Firefighting Services
March 14, 2023 10:00 - 15 minutes - 21.6 MBAn executive budget proposal aimed at improving the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters may have good intentions, but could have unintended consequences that jeopardize public safety. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Sam Fresina, President of the New York State Professional Firefighters Association explains why paying volunteer firefighters a “nominal fee” is a bad idea. See the NYS AFL-CIO oppose memo.
Labor’s Legislative Priorities
February 28, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MBWith well over 10 thousand bills introduced during the two-year legislative cycle in New York State and a $227 billion budget, there is a long list of issues that impact workers and the union movement. On this podcast, New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl explains how the state federation formulates our legislative agenda and discusses some of our top priorities for this legislative session. See our legislative agenda, support/oppose memos and more. Stay up to date on min...
Seed to Sale: How to Cultivate Your Career in Cannabis
February 02, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MBThe adult-use cannabis market is open for business in New York State and it's expected to create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs. On this podcast, we learn about the Cannabis Workforce Initiative and how it's helping people navigate this emerging industry from seed to sale. Visit the Cannabis Workforce Initiative’s website: https://www.cannabisworkforce.org/ Connect with them on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/nycannabisworkforce/ https://www.facebook.co...
How to Buy Union and Buy American this Holiday Season
December 07, 2022 14:32 - 12 minutes - 17.1 MBWe know from a recently released survey that 76 percent of consumers prefer to buy American-made products, but where do you find them? Our guest from the Alliance for American Manufacturing has an entire holiday gift guide of Made in America items. And we’ll tell you where to find union-made gifts, food, and drinks to make it a holiday that not only supports workers but will help create good union jobs. AAM's 2022 Made in America Holiday Gift Guide AAM's Made in America Directory AFL-CI...
So You Want To Start a TikTok Account
November 10, 2022 12:17 - 18 minutes - 25.9 MBTikTok is a powerful communications tool, but getting started can feel intimidating. On the latest Union Strong podcast we discuss how TikTok works, tips and tricks for unions who want to use it to get their message out, and why you shouldn’t be afraid to dive in. - Download the “Captions” app to get a teleprompter for your TikToks Follow @NYSAFLCIO and @Local802AFM on TikTok
The Union Strong Vote
October 03, 2022 16:20 - 16 minutes - 22.5 MBCandidates seeking the endorsement of the New York State AFL-CIO must meet a high threshold of support. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we break down the endorsement process with our guests; Ryan Delgado, Political Director and Chief of Staff at the federation and Jenn Puja, the Executive Director of the Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body. We also discuss what’s at stake in the general election and how union members are making their voices heard. Get voter info and find out how y...
HEART 9/11 – Turning Tragedy into Triumph
September 06, 2022 13:47 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MBUnion construction workers and members of the fire and police departments in New York City developed a strong bond working together on New York’s 9/11 recovery mission. Years later, many of them now retired, are putting their knowledge and skills to use to help those in need. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Bill Keegan, founder and president of HEART 9/11 talks about the mission of the organization and what drives workers to pay it forward. Visit the HEART 9/11 website. You can find ...
Legislative Wrap Up 2022
July 18, 2022 13:53 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBWorkers won big in the 2022 legislative session. The list of victories includes workplace health and safety protections, improvements to labor rights and pensions, and the creation of good-paying jobs as we address climate change. On the latest Union Strong podcast, New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl breaks it all down for us to explain what these changes will mean for working people and their families. See the 2022 End of Session Report Get tickets for Union Strong Ni...
Nurses On The Brink
May 25, 2022 18:09 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBWhen nurses were forced to work mandatory overtime during the COVID pandemic, it was understood that we were dealing with an emergency. The emergency has passed, yet mandatory overtime is back with a vengeance and it’s reached a crisis level in many of our hospitals. Overworked nurses are pleading with lawmakers to do something about it. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we will hear from nurses and their unions on why they are so passionate about strengthening mandatory overtime laws. ...
Union Strong Episode 86: Nurses On The Brink
May 25, 2022 18:09 - 30 minutes - 41.9 MBWhen nurses were forced to work mandatory overtime during the COVID pandemic, it was understood that we were dealing with an emergency. The emergency has passed, yet mandatory overtime is back with a vengeance and it’s reached a crisis level in many of our hospitals. Overworked nurses are pleading with lawmakers to do something about it. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we will hear from nurses and their unions on why they are so passionate about strengthening mandatory overtime laws. ...
Prioritizing Buy American Rock Salt
May 18, 2022 19:45 - 13 minutes - 19.2 MBThe concept of Buy American is simple: Our tax dollars should be used to create jobs and advance production here at home. On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we discuss the importance of prioritizing Buy American legislation and in particular, Buy American Rock Salt. Our guest, Dave Wasiura, Assistant to the Director for the United Steelworkers, District 4 explains what the legislation would do and its impact on the New York State economy.
Episode 85: Prioritizing Buy American Rock Salt
May 18, 2022 19:45 - 13 minutes - 19.2 MBThe concept of Buy American is simple: Our tax dollars should be used to create jobs and advance production here at home. On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we discuss the importance of prioritizing Buy American legislation and in particular, Buy American Rock Salt. Our guest, Dave Wasiura, Assistant to the Director for the United Steelworkers, District 4 explains what the legislation would do and its impact on the New York State economy.
Episode 84: Fix Tier 6
March 28, 2022 20:43 - 11 minutes - 13.8 MBThe state of New York has lost thousands of public sector workers over the past decade. Recruiting and retaining public employees is reaching a crisis level. In addition, dedicated public sector workers who risked their lives during the pandemic could be inadvertently penalized for the overtime they worked throughout the crisis. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we talk about reforming the state’s pension system, to address these issues. New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Direc...
Fix Tier 6
March 28, 2022 20:43 - 11 minutes - 13.8 MBThe state of New York has lost thousands of public sector workers over the past decade. Recruiting and retaining public employees is reaching a crisis level. In addition, dedicated public sector workers who risked their lives during the pandemic could be inadvertently penalized for the overtime they worked throughout the crisis. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we talk about reforming the state’s pension system, to address these issues. New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Direc...
Revisiting: A Day in History that Changed Workplace Safety
March 24, 2022 19:51 - 14 minutes - 19.4 MBMarch 25th is the 111th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire in lower Manhattan. It was one of the deadliest industrial tragedies in U.S. history. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we are revisiting an episode we called, “A day in history that changed workplace safety”. It is a look-back at the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire through an interview with Edgar Romney, the Secretary-Treasurer of Workers United. Join the New York City Central Labor Council and Workers United at the 111th Anni...
Episode 83: Overworked and Underpaid at a Nursing Home in Lewiston, NY
March 13, 2022 22:20 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBNursing home workers at Our Lady of Peace in Lewiston, New York held a one-day strike to draw attention to their contract fight over fair wages. Tomorrow, that fight moves to St. Louis Missouri. The nursing home workers are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and have been without a contract since December 31, 2021. Already hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, these caregivers are now working critically short-staffed while their employer, Ascension Living shuts down unit...
Overworked and Underpaid at a Nursing Home in Lewiston, NY
March 13, 2022 22:20 - 27 minutes - 25.3 MBNursing home workers at Our Lady of Peace in Lewiston, New York held a one-day strike to draw attention to their contract fight over fair wages. Tomorrow, that fight moves to St. Louis Missouri. The nursing home workers are represented by 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East and have been without a contract since December 31, 2021. Already hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, these caregivers are now working critically short-staffed while their employer, Ascension Living shuts down unit...
Episode 82: COVID at Work, Know Your Rights
February 21, 2022 19:56 - 20 minutes - 38.1 MBWorking New Yorkers have put themselves at risk throughout this entire pandemic. Many workers died after being exposed to the virus on the job and countless others became ill. And now, as we reach the 2-year mark since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are learning more about long-haul symptoms. That’s why the New York State AFL-CIO wants to help get the word out on how critical it is for every worker who believes they were exposed to COVID-19 at work, to file a claim with ...
COVID at Work, Know Your Rights
February 21, 2022 19:56 - 20 minutes - 38.1 MBWorking New Yorkers have put themselves at risk throughout this entire pandemic. Many workers died after being exposed to the virus on the job and countless others became ill. And now, as we reach the 2-year mark since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are learning more about long-haul symptoms. That’s why the New York State AFL-CIO wants to help get the word out on how critical it is for every worker who believes they were exposed to COVID-19 at work, to file a claim with ...
Brewing Solidarity at Starbucks
February 13, 2022 20:44 - 24 minutes - 33.7 MBWorkers at Starbucks stores across the country are banding together and filing for union recognition at a pace not seen in recent memory, and it all started in Buffalo, New York. On the latest Union Strong podcast, one of the workers leading the campaign gives us an inside look into what it’s like taking on a corporate giant determined to stand in the way. And Workers United Secretary-Treasurer Edgar Romney joins us to discuss the unique way the campaign started and what’s next.
Episode 81: Brewing Solidarity at Starbucks
February 13, 2022 20:44 - 24 minutes - 33.7 MBWorkers at Starbucks stores across the country are banding together and filing for union recognition at a pace not seen in recent memory, and it all started in Buffalo, New York. On the latest Union Strong podcast, one of the workers leading the campaign gives us an inside look into what it’s like taking on a corporate giant determined to stand in the way. And Workers United Secretary-Treasurer Edgar Romney joins us to discuss the unique way the campaign started and what’s next.
Honoring MLK
January 16, 2022 15:15 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBVoting rights were a cornerstone of Martin Luther King Jr's legacy. On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast we discuss the current state of voting rights in this country and what Dr. King might have to say about it if he was with us today. New York State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin is our guest as we discuss the meaning of Martin Luther King Day and Dr. King's connection to the union movement. Secretary-Treasurer Melvin also talks about how we can honor Dr. King...
Episode 80: Honoring MLK
January 16, 2022 15:15 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBVoting rights were a cornerstone of Martin Luther King Jr's legacy. On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast we discuss the current state of voting rights in this country and what Dr. King might have to say about it if he was with us today. New York State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin is our guest as we discuss the meaning of Martin Luther King Day and Dr. King's connection to the union movement. Secretary-Treasurer Melvin also talks about how we can honor Dr. King...
The Future of Public Education
December 14, 2021 21:23 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for teachers and support staff, students, and their parents. Now the 600,000 member New York State United Teachers has turned those challenges into an opportunity. NYSUT brought together a group of education professionals from across the state to come up with ideas on how to support public schools to build a brighter future for students. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we talk to three teachers who were a part of the Future Forwar...
Episode 79: The Future of Public Education
December 14, 2021 21:23 - 25 minutes - 34.8 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for teachers and support staff, students, and their parents. Now the 600,000 member New York State United Teachers has turned those challenges into an opportunity. NYSUT brought together a group of education professionals from across the state to come up with ideas on how to support public schools to build a brighter future for students. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we talk to three teachers who were a part of the Future Forwar...
Fairness for Farmworkers
November 30, 2021 23:15 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MBFor most workers, overtime pay after 40 hours was a victory won over 80 years ago, but shockingly for farmworkers it’s a battle still being fought. Farmworkers in New York State won some very basic rights in 2019 with passage of the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act. Those rights which the New York State AFL-CIO had been fighting for, for years include: the right to organize a union, a mandatory day of rest, and the right to overtime pay. But the overtime threshold remains unfairly hi...
Episode 78: Fairness for Farmworkers
November 30, 2021 23:15 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MBFor most workers, overtime pay after 40 hours was a victory won over 80 years ago, but shockingly for farmworkers it’s a battle still being fought. Farmworkers in New York State won some very basic rights in 2019 with passage of the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act. Those rights which the New York State AFL-CIO had been fighting for, for years include: the right to organize a union, a mandatory day of rest, and the right to overtime pay. But the overtime threshold remains unfairly hi...
Union Strong Episode 77: Operation Union Veterans Day
November 10, 2021 21:54 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBOn the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we learn how unions are helping veterans find a pathway to the American dream. Our guest is Will Attig who is a U.S. Army Veteran and serves as the Executive Director of the Union Veterans Council at the AFL-CIO. Will discusses the benefits of belonging to the Union Veterans Council and how it helps veterans transition from military service to civilian life and a solid middle class job.
Episode 77: Operation Union Veterans Day
November 10, 2021 21:54 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBOn the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we learn how unions are helping veterans find a pathway to the American dream. Our guest is Will Attig who is a U.S. Army Veteran and serves as the Executive Director of the Union Veterans Council at the AFL-CIO. Will discusses the benefits of belonging to the Union Veterans Council and how it helps veterans transition from military service to civilian life and a solid middle class job.
Operation Union Veterans Day
November 10, 2021 21:54 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBOn the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we learn how unions are helping veterans find a pathway to the American dream. Our guest is Will Attig who is a U.S. Army Veteran and serves as the Executive Director of the Union Veterans Council at the AFL-CIO. Will discusses the benefits of belonging to the Union Veterans Council and how it helps veterans transition from military service to civilian life and a solid middle class job.
Episode 76: Vote Yes on Props 2 and 4
October 26, 2021 20:17 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MBVoters have an opportunity in the 2021 general election to make changes to the state constitution. The Labor Movement is supporting two of the propositions; Prop 2 and Prop 4. Prop 2 would add environmental rights to the state constitution. Prop 4 would allow no excuse absentee voting. On this podcast we discuss what the propositions are about and why they have the support of working people.
Vote Yes on Props 2 and 4
October 26, 2021 20:17 - 24 minutes - 33.9 MBVoters have an opportunity in the 2021 general election to make changes to the state constitution. The Labor Movement is supporting two of the propositions; Prop 2 and Prop 4. Prop 2 would add environmental rights to the state constitution. Prop 4 would allow no excuse absentee voting. On this podcast we discuss what the propositions are about and why they have the support of working people.
Episode 75: Potential Shutdown of Film and TV Production as Strike Looms
October 14, 2021 20:55 - 22 minutes - 31 MBIATSE President Matthew Loeb has drawn a line in the sand saying the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees will go on strike Monday unless a deal is reached. IATSE has been in a contract fight with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for more than five months over safer working conditions, fair wages, and sustainable benefits. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Cinematographer Sarah May Guenther of IATSE Local 600 describes the current working conditions ...
Potential Shutdown of Film and TV Production as Strike Looms
October 14, 2021 20:55 - 22 minutes - 31 MBIATSE President Matthew Loeb has drawn a line in the sand saying the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees will go on strike Monday unless a deal is reached. IATSE has been in a contract fight with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers for more than five months over safer working conditions, fair wages, and sustainable benefits. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Cinematographer Sarah May Guenther of IATSE Local 600 describes the current working conditions ...
Episode 74: Department of Labor Update with Commissioner Roberta Reardon
October 03, 2021 23:27 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MBOn 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/
Department of Labor Update with Commissioner Roberta Reardon
October 03, 2021 23:27 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MBOn 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/