State of the Unions

Latest Episodes:

Confronting the Health Care Crisis: A Conversation with NNU Executive Director Bonnie Castillo, RN May 15, 2019

Show notes

Tim talks to National Nurses United Executive Director Bonnie Castillo about the growing movement of registered nurses organizing for better jobs, a more just society and health care as a fundamental human right.

Not Good Enough: A Conversation on NAFTA with AFL-CIO Trade Policy Specialist Celeste Drake May 01, 2019

Show notes

Julie and Tim talk to AFL-CIO Trade Policy Specialist Celeste Drake about flaws in the proposed new NAFTA and outline the labor movement's high standards for current and future trade agreements.

Special Episode: Can't Stop. Won't Shop. Stories from a UFCW Picket Line Apr 17, 2019

Show notes

Julie and Tim talk to Kristen Johnson, a deli manager and shop steward at the Stop & Shop in Somerville, Massachusetts. Kristen and more than 30,000 of her co-workers, members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), are out on strike for fair pay, benefits and respect on the job.

#StampOutHunger: A Conversation with the National Association of Letter Carriers Apr 03, 2019

Show notes

Tim talks to NALC Executive Vice President Brian Renfroe and Assistant to the President for Community Services Christina Vela Davidson about #StampOutHunger, the annual one-day drive which has collected more than one billion pounds of food for the hungry.

House Blue Collar Caucus: A Conversation with Reps. Brendan Boyle (Pa.) and Marc Veasey (Texas) Mar 20, 2019

Show notes

Julie and Tim talk to the co-chairs of the House Blue Collar Caucus. Boyle and Veasey both come from union families and formed the caucus in the aftermath of the 2016 election to better connect with blue collar workers. They say the path to a stronger America runs through the labor movement and any plan to rebuild our economy must include the working people who make it go.

A Conversation with Teen Vogue Labor Columnist Kim Kelly Mar 06, 2019

Show notes

Julie and Tim talk to Kim Kelly, the labor columnist for Teen Vogue and a former music editor at VICE. Kelly shares her journey into radical political activism from humble beginnings in rural New Jersey to a platform that reaches millions. She provides insight into her experience forming a union at VICE and her desire for young people to challenge capitalism in today's economy.

A Special Black History Month Conversation with IUPAT General President Ken Rigmaiden Feb 20, 2019

Show notes

Julie and Tim talk to Ken Rigmaiden, general president of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. He details his journey from a floor covering installer in San Jose, California, to the highest ranks of the labor movement. He reflects back on his experience with racism and discrimination while also uplifting the many opportunities he's been given. Above all, he stresses his commitment to opening the door for the next generation of union members, activists and leaders.

In-Depth with Kooper Caraway, South Dakota's 28-Year-Old Labor Leader Feb 06, 2019

Show notes

Julie and Tim talk to Kooper Caraway, the dynamic 28-year old president of the Sioux Falls AFL-CIO. Caraway offers his ideas for how the labor movement can reach young people, recalls his own history with activism and informs Tim that millennials don't use the word "cool."

Honoring Dr. King's Legacy: A Special Conversation with Andrew Gillum Jan 23, 2019

Show notes

Julie and Tim talk with former Tallahassee mayor and 2018 gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum (Florida), who calls himself a "living, breathing, walking, talking result of (Dr. King's) legacy." Gillum shares his experience on the campaign trail and previews the important fights ahead on voting, worker and civil rights.

Year in Review: Collective Action on the Rise Dec 26, 2018

Show notes

Julie and Tim look back at the best guests and topics of 2018.