Podcasts by Union Strong

It’s Not a Nursing Shortage; It’s a Staffing Crisis from 2023-12-07T15:58:59

The 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,...

One-on-one with NYSUT’s New President from 2023-10-10T18:22:38

Melinda 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 ne...

The State of Labor 2023 from 2023-09-12T19:50:18

On the latest Union Strong podcast, our guest is Mario Cilento, the President of the New York State AFL-CIO. 

In this wide-ranging interv...

The Singing Electrician from 2023-08-23T11:25:17

Kyle 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.

Union Strong in Buffalo New York from 2023-08-14T16:01:52

There 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, hom...

2023 Legislative Session from 2023-06-22T15:10:55

The 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 S...

Writers’ Strike from 2023-05-11T11:27:55

We are celebrating our 100th episode by diving into the historic writers’ strike that is making headlines across the country. 

Our guest ...

Gender Wage Gap and Child Labor from 2023-04-11T07:00

There 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...

Thermal Energy Networks; A Pipeline To Union Jobs from 2023-03-30T17:05:26

As 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...

Reducing Emissions While Protecting Good Jobs from 2023-03-29T10:49:32

Addressing 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 flexibilit...

The Union Movement’s Climate Goals from 2023-03-27T12:32:08

Combating 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 i...

Healthcare Workers Hold Historic Rally in Albany from 2023-03-23T14:42:25

Healthcare 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...

Protecting Firefighting Services from 2023-03-14T07:00

An 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 sa...

Labor’s Legislative Priorities from 2023-02-28T06:00

With 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 mo...

Seed to Sale: How to Cultivate Your Career in Cannabis from 2023-02-02T06:00

The 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 Ini...

How to Buy Union and Buy American this Holiday Season from 2022-12-07T10:32:28

We 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 ...

So You Want To Start a TikTok Account from 2022-11-10T08:17:19

TikTok 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...

The Union Strong Vote from 2022-10-03T13:20:49

Candidates 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...

HEART 9/11 – Turning Tragedy into Triumph from 2022-09-06T10:47:03

Union 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...

Legislative Wrap Up 2022 from 2022-07-18T10:53:32

Workers 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-payin...

Nurses On The Brink from 2022-05-25T15:09:21

When 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...

Prioritizing Buy American Rock Salt from 2022-05-18T16:45:59

The 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...

Fix Tier 6 from 2022-03-28T17:43:23

The 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, dedicat...

Revisiting: A Day in History that Changed Workplace Safety from 2022-03-24T16:51:46

March 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.

Listen

Overworked and Underpaid at a Nursing Home in Lewiston, NY from 2022-03-13T19:20:37

Nursing 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....

COVID at Work, Know Your Rights from 2022-02-21T15:56:46

Working 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. 

A...

Brewing Solidarity at Starbucks from 2022-02-13T16:44:56

Workers 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 l...

Honoring MLK from 2022-01-16T11:15:38

Voting 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. K...

The Future of Public Education from 2021-12-14T17:23:40

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for teachers and support staff, students, and their parents.

Now the 600,000 membe...

Fairness for Farmworkers from 2021-11-30T19:15:37

For 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...

Episode 77: Operation Union Veterans Day from 2021-11-10T17:54:38

On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we learn how unions are helping veterans find a pathway to the American dream.

Our gu...

Operation Union Veterans Day from 2021-11-10T17:54:38

On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we learn how unions are helping veterans find a pathway to the American dream.

Our gue...

Vote Yes on Props 2 and 4 from 2021-10-26T17:17:28

Voters 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. 

Pro...

Potential Shutdown of Film and TV Production as Strike Looms from 2021-10-14T17:55:49

IATSE 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 c...

Department of Labor Update with Commissioner Roberta Reardon from 2021-10-03T20:27:11

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...

Labor Day 2021 from 2021-09-05T14:11:08

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 from 2021-08-17T19:01:13

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

The oil terminal work...

Labor’s role in the fight for social, racial, and economic justice from 2021-07-27T18:10:59

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 a...

Forming a union should not be this hard from 2021-07-13T21:04:49

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...

2021 Legislative Wrap Up from 2021-06-29T22:10:53

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...

Food Insecurity Post Pandemic - How Labor is Helping to Feed Those in Need from 2021-06-16T10:10:36

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-c...

Stories of Hope: Union Members and Organ Donations from 2021-06-02T00:14:09

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 y...

Workplace Violence in the Subways from 2021-05-17T17:48:33

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 abo...

”It was terrifying.” - NYSNA Nurse at Albany Med from 2021-05-05T10:12:02

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

Listen

State Budget; A Win For Working People from 2021-04-20T19:49:15

The New York State budget for 2021-2022 addresses a health and economic crisis like we h...

Passing the PRO Act from 2021-04-07T09:23:16

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

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

Labor of Love from 2021-03-23T22:15:43

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 f...

We cannot cut our way out of this crisis from 2021-03-10T09:46

The New York State AFL-CIO recently held a labor revenue forum to discuss the impact of the pandemic and the vital need for new revenue sources.

Listen

How to prevent a great cultural depression from 2021-03-03T09:48:53

In New York City, the music industry supports nearly 60,000 jobs and accounts for roughly $5 billion in wages with an economic impact of $21 billion. 

Today, the indus...

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. from 2021-02-10T12:05:12

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 whe...

A step toward diversifying union leadership from 2021-01-28T11:37:35

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 Un...

Stand! A union movie about a union story from 2021-01-13T10:59:48

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...

Labor’s 2021 Legislative Agenda from 2020-12-22T12:50:36

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 Exe...

NYSPIA’s New President from 2020-12-09T10:48:18

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 wa...

NYSNA Nurses at Albany Medical Center vote to strike from 2020-11-25T14:28:29

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 out...

What a Biden Presidency will mean for working people from 2020-11-11T13:21:44

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 ec...

In Solidarity with TWU and IAM Airline Mechanics from 2020-10-29T15:52:29

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

Thousands of airline workers have alrea...

Labor 2020 from 2020-10-14T10:46:44

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 ...

Lights out on the entertainment industry from 2020-10-01T07:58:48

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 coron...

Labor Day 2020 – Where we have been and where we need to go from 2020-09-07T02:50:27

Each year on Labor Day we recognize and honor the incredible achievements and many contributions of working people. This year however is like no other. While we still ho...

The USPS, Delivering Democracy from 2020-08-18T23:22:56

The United States Postal Service is by far the public's favorite agency in the federal government. But just weeks before the 2020 general election, the postal service is caught in the middle of ...

The Countdown to Being Counted - Census 2020 from 2020-08-04T20:33:39

There are concerns across the country of a massive undercount for the 2020 Census. In New York state, like many others, residents are falling behind in responding and there is a lot at stake. Listen

COVID-19 Workplace Safety from 2020-07-21T22:40:04

More and more of us are returning to our workplaces as New York State reopens after the COVID-19 shutdown. You may also be visiting retail and department stores, hair and nail salons and barber ...

Future of School from 2020-07-07T21:17:32

After the most unusual school year ever, planning is underway on how to safely reopen schools. NYSUT President Andy Pallotta joins the podcast to talk about what school may look like this fall.

Union Avoidance Exposed from 2020-06-24T07:36:24

The coronavirus pandemic has more workers concerned about workplace safety, job security and benefits like sick time and health insurance – which is why union avoidance firms are anticipating an...

Racial Injustice from 2020-06-09T23:03:06

The horrific and senseless death of George Floyd has left us all reeling and during an already uncertain time. As a labor movement, we have always fought for equality, justice, and for civil ri...

2020 Elections from 2020-06-02T20:58:35

Keeping voters safe during the coronavirus pandemic has led to procedural changes. NYS AFL-CIO Chief of Staff Ryan Delgado explains what you need to know to make sure your vote counts.

Reopening New York State from 2020-05-19T19:31:05

One of the first regions to reopen, during the COVID-19 pandemic, was the nine county Rochester-Finger Lakes region. Labor is at the table and in the “Regional Control Room”. We talk to Dan Malo...

Union Construction Sites Ready to Reopen from 2020-05-12T16:25:48

Construction is one of the first industries to get back up and running as New York state begins to reopen. Pat Purcell, the executive director of Greater New York LECET (Laborers-Employers Cooperat...

Sen. Gillibrand on Protecting Working People from 2020-05-05T18:43:16

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand discusses the next stimulus package, the Every Worker Protection Act and shares her thoughts on rebuilding our state and country post COVID-19.

Learn about our ...

Nurses Trade Home for a Hotel to Stay Safe During the Coronavirus from 2020-04-22T12:36:04

Nurses and other front-line workers are so desperate to protect their families from exposure to the coronavirus, they are opting to live in hotel rooms near their hospit...

TWU Hit Hard by COVID-19 from 2020-04-15T18:09:41

Members of the Transport Workers Union are dying at an alarming rate. TWU members deemed essential throughout this pandemic are transporting nurses, doctors and others needed on the front lines....

COVID-19 Heroes from 2020-04-08T15:43:33

The crucial jobs of workers in supermarkets, pharmacies and food processing plants during a health crisis. RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum talks about the many challenges his members face and h...

Sen. Schumer on The CARES Act. Plus; the latest on the Postmates case and COVID-19 Workers’ Comp from 2020-03-31T20:46:45

In this episode: It's the largest stimulus package in American history. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joins us to talk about what's in the economic recovery package. And, NYS AFL-CIO Spec...

A Day in History that Changed Workplace Safety from 2020-03-25T00:18:36

Today marks the 109th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City. Normally on this day, large crowds of union members and others would gather a...

COVID-19 Relief for Workers from 2020-03-19T20:47

On this episode we hear from NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento and learn about COVID-19 relief available to workers both at the state and federal level.

More info at unionstrongny.com

AI, Deepfakes, Sexual Harassment and Intimacy Coordinators from 2020-03-03T22:17:18

SAG-AFTRA is the union representing members who are the faces and voices that entertain and inform us. New technology and new attitudes are changing their workspace. Our guest is Rebecca Damon, ...

Welcome to the Labor Movement, Kickstarter United from 2020-02-25T22:45

Join the celebration! It has already been one year since the New York State AFL-CIO launched the Union Strong podcast. President Mario Cilento stops in the studio to help us mark our one-year an...

Revenue Options for a More Equitable NY from 2020-02-18T22:20:57

On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we talk to the executive director and chief economist of the Fiscal Policy Institute about New York State's financial plan and our revenue syst...

Call Center Jobs Act from 2020-02-04T22:05:01

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 ...

Elevator Safety Act from 2020-01-21T22:40:03

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 wi...

Television Diversity Tax Credit from 2020-01-07T22:34:14

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 wat...

Layoffs at Rochester City Schools from 2019-12-17T22:24:54

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 c...

A Conversation with Western NY Area Labor Federation President Richard Lipsitz from 2019-12-10T23:26:19

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 la...

Treatment of Gig Economy Workers from 2019-11-26T23:18:06

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 ta...

The Working Theater from 2019-11-13T08:06:28

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...

Keeping New York Moving from 2019-10-30T05:34:42

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 tonigh...

CSEA President Danny Donohue Retires from 2019-10-16T07:29:19

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...

Scabby the Rat vs. the NLRB from 2019-10-02T07:31:34

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 ...

UAW Strike from 2019-09-18T12:20:40

In this episode we hear from the International Rep for UAW Region 9 and NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento.

For more information on the strike visit  Listen

NYC Labor Day Parade 2019 from 2019-09-04T07:24:07

The President of the NYC CLC is our guest to talk about the oldest and largest worker parade in the country. And we hear from the Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, Liz Schuler who is this year...

Call for Transparency on Campus Foundations from 2019-08-21T07:40:12

SUNY’s 30 campus-related foundations have a lot of money – millions. Where does it come from, where is it going and how is it being used? These are all questions raised ...

Hard Hats. Strong Women. Building the Future. from 2019-08-07T07:20:58

They are union electricians, plumbers, painters, carpenters, ironworkers and more. They are women with solid middle class careers making up a larger part of the construc...

Working behind the scenes from 2019-07-24T07:13:42

The number of union members working on television and film projects across New York has been exploding, in large part due to the film and television tax credit. Some of those union members belon...

New Dean at Cornell ILR from 2019-07-10T11:32:36

He had dreams of being an astronomer, ended up going to law school, but landed at the Cornell School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Meet Dr. Alex Colvin, the new Dea...

2019 Legislative Session Wrap-Up from 2019-06-26T13:24:27

Farmworkers win the right to organize, striking workers win vital protections, and elevator operators now must be licensed. Those are just a few of the labor victories from the 2019 legislative ...

Setting the Record Straight on Public Works Legislation from 2019-06-11T23:27:18

Think taxpayer dollars used on construction projects should be linked to raising the standard of living and quality of life for our workforce and all New Yorkers? We do.

Listen now as Listen

Letter Carriers Fight Threats of Privatization from 2019-05-29T11:58:39

It is the most trusted federal agency that operates without any tax dollars and is facing renewed threats of privatization. What’s behind the threats to privatize the postal service? And, a look...

On-Demand Platform Work in NYS, Another Turning Point in our Changing Economy from 2019-05-15T12:17:37

In this episode we hear from an on-demand worker and some of the challenges these workers face. And we talk with the president of the NYS AFL-CIO about the federation’s campaign to ensure New Yo...

Musicians are union members too from 2019-05-01T09:57:44

Musicians are union members too. He has played keyboards and toured with Grace Slick, Pat Benatar, Dusty Springfield, Chuck Berry, Steve Wonder and many more. Musician, composer and arranger Joe...

Fix Our Public Works Law from 2019-04-17T11:01:23

In Ep. 8 – If contractors are receiving taxpayer resources on construction projects in New York State then they ought to be paying prevailing wages and benefits to the m...

Farmworker Rights from 2019-04-03T13:23:43

For decades the New York State AFL-CIO has pursued a legislative strategy to secure the same rights for farmworkers that all other classifications of workers currently e...

A Day in History that Changed Workplace Safety from 2019-03-27T17:11:47

The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire took place on March 25, 1911 in New York City killing 146 people. It was one of the deadliest industrial disasters in U.S. history.

On Episode 6 – a look at ...

Episode 5: A Union Conversation About Cannabis Legalization in New York from 2019-03-25T15:54:23

63 percent of New York voters support the legalization of regulated adult-use Cannabis Governor Andrew Cuomo supports it. Both houses of the legislature support it. It really comes down to how t...

Episode 4: NYSDOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon talks about her labor roots and Women's History Month from 2019-03-20T14:49:14

For Women’s History Month we share a conversation with NYS DOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon who reflects on the traditional role of women at home and in the workplace and how it helped shape her...

Never Forget the Heroes of 9/11 from 2019-03-11T14:20:34

New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento joined 9/11 responders and survivors and members of Congress in Washington DC on February 25th to unveil the Never Forget the Heroes: Permanent Aut...

Benefits Set To Expire on 9/11 Victims and 1st Responders from 2019-03-08T11:59:29

After being denied help for years, 90,000 9/11 Responders and Survivors from around the country who went to the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and the Shanksville cras...

Welcome to the Union Strong Podcast from 2019-03-04T15:03:46

Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO kicks off the introductory episode of the Union Strong podcast and shar...