Union Strong
News & Politics
About
Union 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. We interview union members, leaders and allies to learn more about legislative priorities, contract negotiations, organizing drives, working conditions, rallies and strikes.
Episodes
- Breaking Their Silence After 17 Years
For 17 years, the journalists and media workers of the Albany Newspaper Guild have been working without a contract at the Times Union. They haven’t spoken about their fight publicly until now. On the latest Union Strong Podcast, we’re divi…
- Fix Tier 6
On March 8, thousands of union members packed the MVP Arena in Albany in an incredible show of solidarity, calling on the Governor and State Legislature to Fix Tier 6 in this year’s budget. In this episode of the Union Strong podcast, we b…
- Poverty to Power: Harry Bronson on Labor and Justice
New York State Assemblyman Harry Bronson’s journey from a childhood of hardship to becoming a champion for workers is inspiring. As one of 12 siblings growing up without indoor plumbing, and at times, no running water, he saw firsthand the…
- Big Benefit Boost for Unemployed
Unemployment benefits just got a significant boost in New York State. This long-awaited increase, championed by the union movement, raises important questions: How much did the benefit go up? Who qualifies? How long can you collect? New Yo…
- Leveling the Court: The WNBPA’s Fight for Fairness
Women’s professional basketball has been on a roll, enjoying record growth, and it keeps getting better. The WNBA recently signed a massive television contract, merchandise sales have increased, and attendance has reached historic levels,…
- The Shutdown
We are now in the second week of a government shutdown, one that has been described as calculated, cruel, and chaotic, and, unfortunately, there’s still no end in sight. On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we are joined by t…
- Union Bus Tour Stops In New York
The Better in a Union Bus Tour has been making its way across the country from the East Coast to the Midwest and the South, and now it's rolled into New York State! On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, AFL-CIO President Liz S…
- Federal Funding and New York’s Future
On the latest episode of the Union Strong Podcast, we’re diving into a game-changing new resource that reveals just how much New York depends on federal funding—and what the recently passed federal budget bill will mean for New Yorkers. Ou…
- The Big Beautiful Betrayal
The Federal Budget Bill currently before the Senate is being called One Big, Beautiful Bill by its supporters, but U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand calls it a Big, Beautiful Betrayal of working people. On the latest episode of the Union Str…
- Lobbying on Behalf of Workers
Fighting on behalf of working people can take many forms, from organizing a union so workers have a voice on the job to getting involved in political campaigns to elect leaders who will fight for working people or participating in a rally…
- The Fight for Federal Workers and the Services They Provide
The executive orders from President Trump are hitting workers hard and fast, leaving them in a constant state of uncertainty about their job security. These drastic changes are not just shaking up the workforce but also endangering vital p…
- Investing in the Workforce: NYS DOL Commissioner Breaks It Down
On the latest episode of the Union Strong podcast, we sit down with New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon to discuss the key workforce elements in the Governor's budget proposal, including worker protections, inve…
- Legislative Priorities 2025
In this episode, we are diving into the legislative priorities of the Union Movement for 2025. Join us as we unpack the critical issues impacting workers today—from the rise of AI and its effect on jobs to the ongoing battle for pro-worker…
- The Fight for Safe Staffing at Albany Med
NYSNA nurses at Albany Medical Center have sounded the alarm about the staffing crisis at the hospital, bravely sharing stories of patients being cared for on emergency room stretchers instead of hospital beds, nurses stretched too thin, a…
- A Labor of Love
Kate Mullany, the pioneer who established the first female union in the United States in Troy, NY, is a figure of immense significance. However, there is a growing concern that many kids are not learning about her role in the union movemen…
- Workplace Injury Treatment & Prevention
Every 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 medic…
- Legislative Priorities 2024
The 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 legislativ…
- It’s Not a Nursing Shortage; It’s a Staffing Crisis
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, we hear from Nancy Hagans, president of NYSNA and N…
- One-on-one with NYSUT’s New President
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 nearly 700 thousand-member New York State Unite…
- The State of Labor 2023
On 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…
- The Singing Electrician
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. He caught the attention of management, and the next thing…
- Union Strong in Buffalo New York
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, home to the first unionized Starbucks that set i…
- 2023 Legislative Session
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 Strong podcast, our guest is the Legislative Director…
- Writers’ Strike
We 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 ov…
- Gender Wage Gap and Child Labor
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 the increase? Also, an examination of the gender wag…
- Thermal Energy Networks; A Pipeline To Union Jobs
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 energy networks and their role in decarbonizing sta…
- Reducing Emissions While Protecting Good Jobs
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 flexibility. As New York State continues to work to red…
- The Union Movement’s Climate Goals
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 involved every step of the way as the state moves toward achieving its…
- Healthcare Workers Hold Historic Rally in Albany
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 reeling from three years of the pandemic, are calli…
- Protecting Firefighting Services
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 safety. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Sam…
- Labor’s Legislative Priorities
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 movement. On this podcast, New York State AFL-C…
- Seed to Sale: How to Cultivate Your Career in Cannabis
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 Initiative and how it's helping people navigate…
- How to Buy Union and Buy American this Holiday Season
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 an entire holiday gift guide of Made in Ameri…
- So You Want To Start a TikTok Account
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 to get their message out, and why you should…
- The Union Strong Vote
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 guests; Ryan Delgado, Political Director and Chief o…
- HEART 9/11 – Turning Tragedy into Triumph
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 now retired, are putting their knowledge and…
- Legislative Wrap Up 2022
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-paying jobs as we address climate change. On the l…
- Nurses On The Brink
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 back with a vengeance and it’s reached a crisis lev…
- Prioritizing Buy American Rock Salt
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 importance of prioritizing Buy American legislation…
- Fix Tier 6
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, dedicated public sector workers who risked their lives during the pa…
- Overworked and Underpaid at a Nursing Home in Lewiston, NY
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. The nursing home workers are represented by…
- COVID at Work, Know Your Rights
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. And now, as we reach the 2-year mark since the beginning of the…
- Brewing Solidarity at Starbucks
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 latest Union Strong podcast, one of the workers leadi…
- Honoring MLK
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. King might have to say about it if he was with…
- The Future of Public Education
The 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 togeth…
- Fairness for Farmworkers
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 New York State won some very basic rights in 2019 with passage of the Farmwo…
- Operation Union Veterans Day
On 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…
- Vote Yes on Props 2 and 4
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. Prop 2 would add environmental rights to the state constitution…
- Potential Shutdown of Film and TV Production as Strike Looms
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 contract fight with the Alliance of Motion Pic…
- Department of Labor Update with Commissioner Roberta Reardon
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 of topics including the unemployed, job creation, apprenticeship prog…