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Union Strong

New York State AFL-CIO

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.

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20 episodes
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Avg 17 min
English

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#126
Thursday · 18 min
Unemployment Services Overhaul
The New York State Department of Labor is about to launch a major upgrade to unemployment services that will affect everyone currently collecting unemployment and new filers. It’s the largest unemployment insurance system overhaul in US history, and it’s happening in just a few days. Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon is our guest to explain what is happening, why it’s happening, and what it means for those dependent on unemployment insurance benefits. Visit the NYS Department of Labor website: https://dol.ny.gov/ Get NYS Department of Labor newsletters: https://dol.ny.gov/connect
#125
June 10 · 14 min
The Union Vote
As Primary Election Day approaches, the stakes for working people have never been higher. Every endorsement made by the New York State AFL-CIO carries significant weight, and candidates seeking that endorsement must earn it by meeting a high threshold. On the latest Union Strong podcast, we sit down with our Political Director Kevin Eitzmann to take you inside our endorsement process, explore what’s at stake in this year’s election, and discuss how union members are making their voices heard at the ballot box. Resources: Volunteer for a labor walk or phone bank: https://nysaflcio.org/politics NYS AFL-CIO endorsements: https://nysaflcio.org/endorsements Voter information: https://nysaflcio.org/vote
#124
April 16 · 19 min
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 diving into their story: what it means to report the news that so many rely on while facing your own uncertainty, why this contract fight has stretched on for nearly two decades, and what’s at stake, not just for these journalists, but for the future of local news. In an interview with Wendy Liberatore, the president of the Albany Newspaper Guild, we gain insight into the ongoing contract dispute and its broader implications. TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT THE TIMES UNION WORKERS: Ask the Times Union and Hearst to give the Albany Newspaper Guild a fair contract now. Publisher George Hearst: ghearst@timesunion.com, 518-454-5694 CEO Steve Swartz: sswartz@hearst.com, 212-649-2000 President of Newspaper Group Jeff Johnson: jeff.johnson@hearst.com, 212-649-2000 Visit the Albany Newspaper Guild website for more information: https://albanyguild.org/
#123
March 10 · 15 min
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 break down how we got here, take you inside the arena for a firsthand look at the rally, and hear from New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento about what comes next in the fight to Fix Tier 6. Ask your State legislators and the Governor to Fix Tier 6: https://nysaflcio.info/4rgACWn NYS AFL-CIO Tier 6 Pension Reform web page: https://nysaflcio.org/tier-6
#122
Dec 10, 2025 · 24 min
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 struggles his parents faced working low-wage jobs for companies that did not offer collective bargaining. It was those early experiences that shaped his dedication to fighting for equity and opportunity. Now, as the powerful chair of the NYS Assembly Labor Committee, he is in a prime position to influence the future of labor policy, and he is our guest on the Union Strong podcast.
#121
Nov 18, 2025 · 11 min
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 York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon joins us to break down what’s changed, why it matters, and what workers need to know. Resources: Visit https://dol.ny.gov/
#120
Oct 28, 2025 · 13 min
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, including right here in New York at the New York Liberty games. Yet the players responsible for that growth don’t get a single share of all that revenue – and that’s at the center of a contract fight that has the attention of the entire union movement in New York. On the latest Union Strong podcast, Terri Carmichael Jackson, the Executive Director of the Women's National Basketball Players Association, discusses what is at the center of this fight. Resources: Follow @TheWNBPA on Instagram, Twitter and Threads WNBPA Letter Campaign: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/wnba-players-deserve-a-higher-salary-and-better-working-conditions?source=union-hall&referrer=group-new-york-state-afl-cio See the NYS AFL-CIO letter to Commissioner Engelbert: https://nysaflcio.org/press-releases/20251025-wnbpa Watch “Shattered Glass: A WNBPA Story”: https://tubitv.com/movies/100014374/shattered-glass-a-wnbpa-story
#119
Oct 8, 2025 · 10 min
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 the President of the New York State AFL-CIO, who sheds light on how this shutdown will affect working people, the services we rely on, and what we can do moving forward. Resources: Make a Call: Stop the Shutdown and the Cuts to Working Families Statement from NYS AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento on the shutdown
#118
Aug 20, 2025 · 14 min
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 Shuler invites us aboard the bus for a candid conversation about what’s top of mind for working people right now, and what the union movement is calling for this Labor Day. Find a Labor Day event: https://www.mobilize.us/aflcio/?tag_ids=26595 NYS AFL-CIO on Mobilize: https://www.mobilize.us/nysaflcio/
#117
Jul 21, 2025 · 25 min
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. Our guest is New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who breaks down his newly released guide to federal funding. If you care about healthcare, education, food programs, renewable energy projects, or jobs, this conversation is for you. Plus, the Comptroller shares new information on how to access unclaimed funds. Resources: https://www.osc.ny.gov/reports/budget/fed-funding-ny/introduction https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/05/dinapoli-releases-guide-federal-funding-new-york https://www.osc.ny.gov/unclaimed-funds Follow @nysaflcio on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, Bluesky and TikTok
#116
Jun 25, 2025 · 18 min
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 Strong Podcast, Sen. Gillibrand discusses what is included in the bill, the impact the cuts would have on New Yorkers, and what you can do about it. She also discusses her efforts to support seniors and an initiative that would make childbirth free for families with private insurance. Senator Gillibrand's Aging Committee Newsletter: https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/help/senate-aging-committee-newsletter/ Bipartisan Legislation on Childbirth Coverage: https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/news/press/release/gillibrand-announces-bipartisan-legislation-that-would-make-childbirth-free-for-families-with-private-insurance/ Get involved: https://www.mobilize.us/nysaflcio/
#115
Apr 21, 2025 · 19 min
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 or march to draw attention to an issue impacting workers. It can also take the form of lobbying—meeting with legislative representatives to discuss the issues that matter to workers. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the Union Movement’s State Legislative Lobby Day. New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento kicks off the discussion on why it's so important and the difference it makes. NYS AFL-CIO Legislative Agenda, support/oppose memos and more: https://nysaflcio.org/legislation
#114
Mar 20, 2025 · 25 min
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 public services that millions of Americans rely on. In this episode of the Union Strong Podcast, we will hear the personal story of a disabled Army Veteran who lost her job at the VA and a union president fighting to protect workers and their rights. Resources: SavePublicServices.com https://www.federalunionists.net/ https://deptofpeoplewhowork.org/ https://www.mobilize.us/
#113
Mar 12, 2025 · 17 min
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, investments in childcare, workforce training initiatives, and more. Tune in for insights that could help shape the future of work. Website: https://dol.ny.gov/ Newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYDOL/signup/44950 NYS AFL-CIO Legislative Priorities: https://nysaflcio.org/legislation
#112
Feb 11, 2025 · 15 min
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 policies in the face of swift changes at the federal level. Our guest is New York State AFL-CIO Legislative Director Mike Neidl, who shares insights on the challenges ahead and how our legislative priorities will address them. See the NYS AFL-CIO 2025 Legislative Agenda: https://nysaflcio.org/legislation Sign up for email or text updates from the NYS AFL-CIO: https://nysaflcio.info/updates
#111
Jan 29, 2025 · 15 min
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, and patient care suffering. On this episode of the Union Strong podcast, we will hear from nurses firsthand about the need for a fair contract that finally addresses safe staffing. Support the nurses: www.albanymedqualitycare.org
#110
Oct 9, 2024 · 20 min
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 movement or the broader history of unions. The American Labor Studies Center is working to change that. Join us on this episode of the Union Strong podcast to learn about their essential efforts. Visit the American Labor Studies Center website Visit the Kate Mullany House website
#109
Apr 24, 2024 · 19 min
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 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 Health Clinic Network clinics: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/workplace/clinic.htm Mount Sinai Selikoff website: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/occupational-health List of Mount Sinai Selikoff locations: https://www.mountsinai.org/care/occupational-health/locations
#108
Jan 17, 2024 · 15 min
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 legislative initiatives.
#107
Dec 7, 2023 · 20 min
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 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.

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