Episode Details

From the legislative battles of the Midwest to historic street mobilizations in Southern California, the labor movement is currently the front line of defense for the American working class. Today, we look at how union leaders are responding to fiscal threats and federal pressure.

We’re joined by Frank Mathews, Administrative Director of CWA District 4, to discuss the fallout of the Ohio and Indiana primaries. While labor-backed candidates like Ironworker Brian Poindexter are securing major wins, a new threat is looming: a movement to repeal Ohio’s property tax. Mathews breaks down why this proposal is a "trap" that would blow a $21 billion hole in public services, devastating schools, roads, and fire departments.

Yvonne Wheeler, President of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, joins us to discuss a city pushed to the brink. Following the January 2025 wildfires and large-scale immigration enforcement operations, Wheeler explains how the LA Fed organized the largest nonviolent direct action training in U.S. history. We discuss the creation of the Peacekeepers, the May Day 2026 mobilization, and why the labor movement is the only force capable of holding the line during a crisis.