Union Talk Podcast
On Union Talk, AFT president Randi Weingarten interviews workers, policymakers and experts who are confronting the issues working families face and championing solutions. From the classroom to the bargaining table to Congress to the streets, Union Talk looks at the past, present and possible ways the labor movement and unions are vehicles to secure opportunity, justice and a voice in our democracy for all. Different episodes of Union Talk do deep dives on great public schools and affordable higher education, healthcare as a right, unions, an economy that works for all and what it takes to maintain a thriving democracy. Union Talk tells the stories that demonstrate that together we can accomplish for our families and communities what is impossible to do alone.
Latest Episodes
Standing Together: Fighting for a Unified Israel
AFT President Randi Weingarten hosts a robust conversation featuring co-chairs from Standing Together, a grass-roots group of Jews and Palestinians who are fighting for peace, security, justice and self-determination. Included in the panel are: Standing Together co-Chairs Sally Abed and Alon-Lee Green, Amy Spitalnick from the Jewish Council for Public Affairs and Daily Beast columnist Wajahat Ali.
Women’s Rights in Focus: Celebrating Women’s History Month
Join AFT President Randi Weingarten alongside Laura Wiederhoeft, a registered nurse at Planned Parenthood, and Jessica Tang, president of the Boston Teachers Union, as they delve into a compelling discussion on the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights. Listen as they explore how assaults on abortion and contraception intersect with broader challenges to freedom, labor rights and the foundations of democracy.
We Were There: To Rustin, with Love, Part 1
In part one of this unique live episode of Union Talk, AFT President Randi Weingarten honors the legacy of civil rights luminary Bayard Rustin alongside esteemed labor figures who shared his acquaintance: Rachelle Horowitz, former AFT political director; Lorretta Johnson, AFT secretary-treasurer emeritus; and Clayola Brown, president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute. Also joining the discussion are Julian Breece, co-screenwriter of Rustin, and Bruce Cohen, co-producer of the film.
We Were There: To Rustin, with Love, Part 2
In the second installment of this unique live episode, AFT President Randi Weingarten and her guests delve into the complex dynamic surrounding Bayard Rustin’s dual identity as both a civil rights pioneer and a gay individual in a society that grappled with acceptance. Join the conversation with former AFT political director Rachelle Horowitz, AFT Secretary-Treasurer Emeritus Lorretta Johnson, A. Philip Randolph Institute President Clayola Brown and Rustin co-screenwriter Julian Breece and co-producer Bruce Cohen.