Labor Radio-Podcast Weekly

Belabored; Your Rights At Work; OnWriting; SF Mime Troupe

On the Belabored podcast, Sarah Jaffe and Michelle Chen gather three of their favorite thinkers on labor and unions, Jane McAlevey, Bill Fletcher Jr., and Rebecca Dixon, for a no-holds-barred look back on 2020, a truly tumultuous year for workers.
Then, on Your Rights At Work, Kathy Newman talks about the workers who make your favorite holiday movies possible.
We stay with the workers behind the movies as OnWriting, a screenwriting podcast from the Writers Guild of America, East, talks with Sacha Baron Cohen, Anthony Hines, and Peter Baynham — the co-writers of Borat Subsequent Moviefilm — about why they decided to revisit the iconic character, how intense it was to film that now-infamous Rudy Giuliani scene, and the reality of filming in very dangerous situations.  
And since this is Christmas week, we’ve got a special treat for you, the first part of A Red Carol, from the San Francisco Mime Troupe. This brand-new radio drama returns to the working-class roots of Charles Dickens’ classic holiday story of greed and redemption, along with a few labor songs.  
Speaking of which, our bonus tracks this week are Rudolph the Union Reindeer and Organize Organize Organize, both sung by Ariana Eakle Blockmon, a member of IBEW Local 124. Thanks to Judy Ancel and the Heartland Labor Forum -- their latest show is The Truth about Santa's Workshop -- for sharing these, as well as The Year the Elves Went Out on Strike by Barry Rabin. 

Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people’s issues and concerns. 
Also, check out our new weekly livestream show, available at on Facebook and YouTube, where you’ll also find profiles of members of the Network.

#LaborRadioPod @WGAEast @SFTroupers @dclabor

Edited by Patrick Dixon and Evan Papp; produced by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips

Your Rights At Work; Organizing Work; In The Gap; Grit Northwest; Union Strong; El Desvio

On Friday, as we’re putting this week’s show together, Congress continues to flirt with yet another government shutdown as the debate drags on over stimulus funding, making the recent conversation with Flight Attendants president Sara Nelson on Your Rights At Work radio show even more relevant.

On the Organizing Work podcast, author Peter Cole talks about his new book Ben Fletcher: The Life and Times of a Black Wobbly.

We’re excited to be able to finally bring you some of In The Gap, the terrific 12-episode podcast series from In These Times, featuring everyday Black women and experts alike sharing their personal experiences and insights on how the gender pay gap, pay discrimination and systemic inequality affects the lives and livelihoods of Black women in the American workforce. In The Gap is hosted and produced by award-winning veteran Black journalist Chandra Thomas Whitfield.         

On the Grit Northwest podcast Michael Burch from Carpenters Local 1503 talks about diversity outreach in the construction industry

And on Union Strong, the podcast produced by the New York State AFL-CIO, we hear from Tim Dymond, the new president of the union that represents New York State Police Investigators.

We stay in New York state as the El Desvio podcast from the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement hosts New York Attorney General Letitia James, who talks about the Trump administration’s attempts to terminate the Obama-era program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – DACA -- which shields undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children.

We’ll also hear a promo from the San Francisco Mime Troupe, whose new radio drama, A Red Carol, takes a different approach to the Charles Dickens classic, and on Labor History in 2:00 we hear about how prohibition was really about tightening social control of working people.

Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people’s issues and concerns.

Also, check out our new weekly livestream show, available at on Facebook and YouTube, where you’ll also find profiles of members of the Network.

#LaborRadioPod @OrganizingWork @inthesetimesmag @GritNw @LCLAA @FlyingWithSara

Edited by Patrick Dixon and Evan Papp; produced by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips

The SAG-AFTRA podcast; The Blue Collar Gospel Hour; The Valley Labor Report; Labor History in Two; Labor Vision; CTU Speaks

This week, we start off with none other than actor Robert DeNiro, star of dozens of great movies, from Taxi Driver to Raging Bull, The Deer Hunter and, more recently, Joker and The Irishman. DeNiro appeared on The SAG-AFTRA podcast after receiving that union’s highest tribute: the SAG Life Achievement Award.

Then, from The Blue Collar Gospel Hour, a visit with poet, artist, community organizer, activist and farm worker Jonie McIntire.

We’re also really pleased to bring you a piece from The Valley Labor Report, which recently released an incredible series of in-depth interviews focused on Bolivia and why what happened there with redistribution of wealth, a coup and resistance by the labor movement, matters to us here in the U.S. 

On Labor History in 2:00 we learn about the “Cordiner Doctrine,” released at the height of McCarthyism and the Second Red Scare.

Then, from Labor Vision, how two organizing drives in Rhode Island turned into victories. 

Our final segment this week is from the CTU Speaks podcast, and focuses on fighting for clerks and techs in Chicago public schools.

Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people’s issues and concerns. 

Also, check out our new weekly livestream show, available at on Facebook and YouTube, where you’ll also find profiles of members of the Network.

#LaborRadioPod @sagaftra @chatter_blue @LaborReporters @LaborVisionRI @CtuSpeaks @hardballpress

Edited by Evan Papp and Patrick Dixon; produced by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips

Black Work Talk; Working to Live in Southwest Washington; Willamette Wake Up; Labor Express Radio; Laborlines; Breaktime Breakdown; Belabored; Grit Northwest; San Francisco Mime Troupe

This week, on Black Work Talk, one of our newest Network members, host Steven Pitts welcomes Dorian Warren, President of Community Change, who discusses efforts around the country to build the collective power of black workers.

On the Working to Live in Southwest Washington podcast, Vancouver School District classified employees have been furloughed for months, and they're struggling. Barb Plymate, president of the Vancouver Association of Educational Support Professionals joins hosts Shannon and Harold to talk about the district's justification for these furloughs... and the fact that it has the money to put these people back to work!

On Willamette Wake Up, Rebecca Salinas-Oliveros talks about her leap into local politics in Oregon. She started as an activist in the Black Lives Matter movement, then ran for Monmouth City Council. She was the top vote-getter in the recent city council election despite opposition from a political action committee that supported a slate of conservative candidates.

Labor Express Radio talks with Stroger Hospital nurse Elizabeth Lalish -- a member of National Nurses United who works with COVID patients -- about the likely effects of cuts in the Cook County hospital system on Black and Brown working-class communities on the Southside of Chicago and how nurses are organizing to fight for safe workplaces and patient centered care. 

On Laborlines, organizers for the Restaurant Workers Council report on their efforts to organize restaurant workers in New York City.

The holidays are coming up soon and on the Breaktime Breakdown, Jeremy Waugh and Richard Roth talk about a new effort led by members of the SMART Local 110 Executive Board to help members in need for what will be a holiday season unlike any that have come before.

Then, on Belabored, Renewing Unions in the Age of Finance. Elections come and go, but some major problems continue to plague labor unions on both sides of the Atlantic, and many of those problems have their roots in the financialization of our economy. Yet unions are often stuck in a playbook that was written in a different period of capitalist development, and it shows in their struggles. How do unions adapt to a financialized world? Alice Martin and Annie Quick have some suggestions

And on Grit Northwest, we meet the President of the Northwest Carpenters Union and Grit writer, producer and host Joe Cadwell, who reveals the secret to a successful podcast.

We wrap up with a promo for the San Francisco Mime Troupe’s upcoming production of A Red Carol! A Working-Class Take on the Dickens' Holiday Classic. 

Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people’s issues and concerns. 

Also, check out the Network's new weekly livestream show, available at on Facebook and YouTube, where you’ll also find profiles of members of the Network. 

#LaborRadioPod @BlackWorkTalk @SWWACLC @GritNw @SFTroupers

Edited by Evan Papp and Patrick Dixon; produced and hosted by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips

Unify: A Young Worker's Podcast; UCOMM Live; Labor Radio on KBOO; Union City Radio; America's Workforce Radio; We Do the Work; Laborlines; En Masse

This week, on Unify, A Young Worker’s Podcast, the IBEW’s Cheryl Paron talks about diversity, inclusion and women in the trades.

Then on UCOMM LIVE, the building trades secure a deal to build offshore wind plants.

And what happens when workers at a community non-profit join a union and try to negotiate a first contract? Labor Radio on KBOO finds out during a visit with CWA organizer Coya Crespin.

On Union City Radio, a kid’s group releases a brand-new song dedicated to the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour.

With entertainment venues shut down across the country, how are union musicians doing these days? American Federation of Musicians Local 4 President Leonard DiCosimo discusses how musicians are faring during the pandemic on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.

On We Do the Work, Jon Komorowski, Retired Chief Public Defender of Whatcom County, Washington, explains why public defenders are so important to the justice system.

Keri Steneck, campaign manager for recent races for both the Federal House and state senate in Idaho provides her insights into the Idaho and national political landscape on the Laborlines show.

We wrap up this week’s show with an excerpt from a recent podcast extra from the En Masse podcast, as host Liz Medina, who’s also acting director of the Vermont AFL CIO, joined other speakers – and singer Heidi Ann Wilson -- during a “Protect the Results” vigil in front of Vermont’s State House on November 4th.

PLUS: Be sure to stay tuned after the show credits for an extra-special bonus track!

Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people’s issues and concerns.

#LaborRadioPod @Unifypodcast @UCOMMBlog @AWFUnionPodcast @EnMassePodcast @dclabor

Edited by Evan Papp and Patrick Dixon; produced and hosted by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips

Labor Radio; Building Bridges; Grit NorthWest; Brain Labor Report; CTU Speaks!; Activate L!ve; Tales of the Resistance

Labor Radio examines the unprecedented corporate misinformation campaign that led California voters to approve a landmark anti-worker ballot measure.

On Building Bridges, Black Voters Matter Fund cofounder Cliff Albright on how to "increase power in our communities."

Grit NorthWest is a Carpenters Union podcast and one of the newest members of the Labor Radio Podcast Network; this week they answer the question “Dude, Where's our reps?”

In the wake of the horrific devastation of the Almeda Fire, the Brain Labor Report visits with contractor Anthony Kirtz about plans to clean up and rebuild with an emphasis on local jobs in Oregon’s Rogue Valley.

And CTU Speaks! looks back at the 2019 Chicago teachers strike, not just all that the teachers won, but all that they have yet to realize.
We wrap up with two shows that feature inspiring music this week:

Activate L!ve interviewed the producer and director of “Stand!”, the movie musical which premieres December 1 in 46 states across the country; and the San Francisco Mime Troupe recently wrapped up their great radio drama Tales of the Resistance: Will the Resistance become a Revolution, or will the fascist corporate overlords maintain their control over the workers?

Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people’s issues and concerns.

#LaborRadioPod @bbridgesradio @GritNw @CtuSpeaks @MachinistsUnion @SFTroupers

Edited by Evan Papp and Patrick Dixon; produced and hosted by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips

BeLabored; Union Strong; America’s Workforce Radio; RadioLabour; The Blue Collar Gospel Hour

What’s next for working people under a Biden/Harris administration? We’ve got excellent reports from Belabored, Union Strong, America’s Workforce Radio and RadioLabour. This week’s show also features a brand-new Network member, The Blue Collar Gospel Hour, where union autoworker, poet, and activist Dan Denton hosts "a podcast for the 99%" – featuring entertainment, news, music, poetry, art and interviews with interesting people. This week Dan visits with co-worker Gerri Edwards, an LGBTG+ activist and pioneer who also hosts a popular, award winning Star Trek original story podcast series.

Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the  Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people’s issues and concerns.

#LaborRadioPod @DissentMag @NYSAFLCIO @radiolabour @TheBlueCollarG1 #1u #UnionStrong

Edited by Evan Papp; produced by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips

Labor Network livestream highlights: Bryant, Fletcher & Silvers

Coalition of Labor Union Women president Elise Bryant, racial justice, labor and international activist Bill Fletcher, Jr. and AFL-CIO policy director Damon Silvers share their perspectives on the 2020 election from labor’s point of view on last week’s first-ever livestream broadcasts by the Labor Radio Podcast Network.

Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people’s issues and concerns. #LaborRadioPod @AFLCIO @DamonSilvers @CLUWNational @BillFletcherJr

Edited by Evan Papp; produced by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips

Labor Network livestream highlights: Shuler, Meyerson & Cohen

AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Liz Shuler, American Prospect Editor At Large Harold Meyerson and former CWA president Larry Cohen share their unique and unfiltered points of view on the first-ever livestream broadcasts earlier this week by the Labor Radio Podcast Network as we covered the 2020 election from labor’s point of view.

Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people’s issues and concerns. #LaborRadioPod @lizshuler @HaroldMeyerson @CWALarry 

Edited by Evan Papp; produced by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips

Talking SMART; Labor Express Radio; America’s Work Force; Crimes of Capital; Belabored

James Baldwin on The Fire This Time; SMART 88’s Jeff Proffitt runs for school board in Las Vegas; unions on two coasts fight for fair, progressive taxation; Insulators’ Pete IIelmini on getting out the union vote; the Foley Sisters on the limitations of political parties and elections; and what will labor do if Trump tries to steal the election?

Highlights from labor radio and podcast shows around the country, part of the national Labor Radio Podcast Network of shows focusing on working people’s issues and concerns. #LaborRadioPod

Edited by Evan Papp and Patrick Dixon; produced by Chris Garlock; social media guru: Harold Phillips