Labor Lounge Podcast

EP 17: Dr. Benjamin Dworkin of RIPPAC

Dr. Benjamin Dworkin, founding director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship (RIPPAC), joins Anthony and Cyndie to discuss the importance of civic engagement in sustaining a healthy democracy. He shares how RIPPAC works to counter political cynicism, encourage informed participation, and foster respectful, nonpartisan dialogue in an increasingly polarized landscape. Dr. Dworkin looks ahead to how education and dialogue can help restore confidence in democratic institutions. https://www.rowan.edu/ric-edelman-college/centers/rippac/ [https://www.rowan.edu/ric-edelman-college/centers/rippac/] (2:05) The purpose behind the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship (5:54) Why civic education matters for voters and workers (7:49) Connecting students and the public with elected officials (10:03) Misconceptions about civic engagement and political power (12:19) Reading, writing, and listening as key leadership skills (14:22) Rebuilding trust through transparency and respect (17:46) Civic engagement wins: marriage equality and minimum wage (21:42) Making politics feel human, respectful, and even fun (33:06) How labor unions shape strong public policy (36:13) The internet, algorithms, and the future of democracy (42:29) Why people must take ownership of democracy

EP 16: Philip Radomski and Mary Kate Radomski of Frank V. Radomski & Sons

Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc. Chairman Philip Radomski and President Mary Kate Radomski join Anthony and Cyndie to share the 100+ year evolution of their family-founded construction firm - from Depression-era coal hauling to major institutional and industrial projects across the region. They discuss a thoughtful generational transition of leadership, the company’s deep commitment to union labor, and why safety, training, and “knowing how to build” remain core to their success. The conversation also explores how apprenticeships create long-term, high-paying careers, why union contractors outperform on safety and efficiency, and how reframing construction as a lifelong profession is critical to the future of the industry. https://radomski-builders.com/ [https://radomski-builders.com/] Episode highlights: (1:19) Meet Philip and Mary Kate Radomski (2:14) The 100-year history of Radomski & Sons (5:40) Why knowing how to build still matters (9:00) Passing leadership to the next generation (11:09) Why the trades are a real career path (15:31) Why union labor, quality, and safety matter (19:39) Community impact and long-term careers (25:05) Advice for young people entering construction (30:23) Closing thoughts on partnership and legacy

EP 15: Governor Mikie Sherrill

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to talk about how unions and workforce development can shape the state’s economic future. Sherrill shares her approach to expanding apprenticeships, aligning education with industry, and preparing workers for a rapidly changing economy. She reflects on the role of organized labor in protecting jobs, wages, and dignity, and why staying “at the table” will be essential for New Jersey’s working families. (2:39) Workforce development priorities for New Jersey (3:21) Infrastructure jobs and the Gateway Tunnel Project (4:06) Aligning labor, higher education, and industry (5:29) Governor Sherrill’s personal union family story (7:40) Why labor plays a key role in affordability and the middle class (10:54) Job growth strategies and expanding apprenticeship programs (12:25) How labor benefits the entire workforce (15:16) Pension investments and economic impact (16:33) Key industries driving New Jersey’s future (17:54) AI and the future of work (19:55) Measuring workforce development success in New Jersey (21:01) Why labor must have a seat at the table

EP 14: Lt. Governor Austin Davis

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joins Anthony and Cyndie to discuss how unions power the middle class and why the state is investing heavily in apprenticeships and workforce development. Raised in a union family, Davis shares how organized labor shaped his path and how it continues to drive economic opportunity and community stability across the Commonwealth. He outlines new funding for career-technical education, the $20B Amazon data-center project with $10M in targeted workforce development, and Pennsylvania’s approach to balancing business growth with worker protections. https://www.pa.gov/ltgovernor [https://www.pa.gov/ltgovernor] https://eascarpenters.org/ https://cctmarketing.org/ [https://cctmarketing.org/] 00:00 – Opening and show setup with Anthony and Cyndie 07:41 – Introduction of Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis 08:23 – Austin shares how his union upbringing shaped his values and opportunities 09:55 – How unions create generational wealth and family stability 11:57 – The origins of workers’ rights: weekends, work hours, and safety from union advocacy 12:42 – The ongoing fight to protect organized labor and resist “right to work” efforts 13:38 – Growing up in McKeesport and seeing how unions built stable communities 14:40 – Pennsylvania’s investment in workforce development and apprenticeships 15:48 – Expanding career and technical education to meet the state’s labor demand 16:38 – Balancing business growth with worker protections under the Shapiro administration 17:05 – The $20B Amazon data center investment and workforce development funding 18:27 – Pennsylvania’s commitment to clean and renewable energy projects 19:07 – Bipartisan efforts to speed energy and infrastructure development 20:22 – Bringing both parties together under a shared “Pennsylvania jersey” 21:32 – How cooperation across political lines benefits workers and families 22:22 – The future of organized labor and new union movements across industries 23:46 – Rising union popularity and rebuilding the middle class across all sectors 24:09 – Closing remarks and appreciation for Austin Davis’s leadership

EP 13: Wayne Thomas of Kiewit Infrastructure

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie are joined by Kiewit Senior VP Wayne Thomas to discuss the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild in Baltimore: one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region’s history. He explains why Kiewit chose a progressive design-build approach and a voluntary Project Labor Agreement, and how the firm’s partnership with union labor will create hundreds of career-track jobs for local workers. Thomas shares how Kiewit’s hands-on workforce development efforts - community events, school outreach, and even door-to-door recruitment - are helping residents access apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. He also reflects on the company’s 140-year history, its employee-owned structure, and its commitment to building not just bridges, but sustainable middle-class careers. https://www.kiewit.com/ [https://www.kiewit.com/] https://eascarpenters.org/ https://cctmarketing.org/ [https://cctmarketing.org/] 00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie 01:20 – Introduction of guest Wayne Thomas and overview of his role at Kiewit 02:21 – Wayne shares Kiewit’s 140-year history and employee-owned culture 03:42 – Story of how Wayne joined Kiewit and stayed for nearly four decades 04:51 – How Kiewit grew from bricklaying to national infrastructure leadership 05:49 – The company’s expansion into mining, energy, and heavy construction 06:44 – Discussion on Kiewit’s employee-ownership model and its impact on culture 07:47 – Recounting the Key Bridge collapse and Kiewit’s immediate response 08:49 – How Kiewit was selected for the rebuild and the progressive design-build model 09:52 – The project’s scale, trades involved, and job creation potential 10:57 – Kiewit’s community outreach and workforce development partnerships 12:00 – Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship initiatives for local residents 13:02 – Why Kiewit committed to a voluntary Project Labor Agreement (PLA) 14:01 – The value of union labor and fair pay for skilled tradespeople 15:19 – Economic ripple effects and creation of long-term middle-class careers 16:01 – Community and government collaboration supporting the rebuild 17:05 – Using the Key Bridge project as a model for workforce-driven infrastructure 18:45 – Wayne’s vision for sustained careers, not just temporary jobs 20:03 – How residents can get involved or apply for opportunities on the project 21:02 – Closing reflections and appreciation for partnership between Kiewit and labor