AWF Audio Clips

America’s WORKFORCE Radio is the only daily labor-radio program in America and has been on the air since 1993, supplying listeners with useful, relevant input into their daily lives through fact-finding features, in-depth interviews, informative news segments and practical consumer reports.

Urban construction rebounds as COVID-19 vaccine becomes available-May 11, 2021

Many cities were slated to have building booms prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, economic uncertainty and lockdown orders stopped many projects from moving forward.

Cleveland, Ohio was one rising city with plenty of construction planned that was put on hold or slowed down. Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski joined the AWF Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing economic rebound and how it is affecting construction projects in the city.
Reinvigorating metropolitan cities

Wondolowski recalled the beginning of the pandemic and the uncertainty that followed. Many projects slowed down as builders did not know if tradesmen and tradeswomen would be considered essential workers and permitted to report to work.

Projects that were slowed eventually got back on track and now, the building tradesmen and tradeswomen of northeast Ohio are in for a busy summer and beyond.

Interest in building in Cleveland was high before the pandemic, with the city offering tax credits and reasonable prices for property on which to build. Projects were in the works to renovate old warehouses into luxury apartment buildings and companies were planning to build or renovate office space in the city.

Wondolowski said the interest is still there and the building trades are doing their best to convince builders that the time is now.

Funding construction projects

Funding for ongoing and upcoming projects is coming from multiple places. He said much of the funding for projects is coming through private investors, who take at least partial ownership in projects.

On the other hand, labor groups and other investment groups are taking advantage of Housing and Urban Development 221(d)(4) loans. These loans attract developers because they pay for the first mortgage, but have a high upfront cost. However, the loan is fixed for up to 43 years.

Builders are once again beginning to take advantage of both funding mechanisms as they prepare to build within the city.

Construction Outlook is Favorable with Infrastructure on the Way-April 13, 2021

Many in the construction industry are thankful they were able to continue working throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and that project owners were comfortable moving forward with projects. However, they are increasingly excited as an infrastructure plan gains momentum.

The Cleveland area has enjoyed steady development in recent years and plenty of work. Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Secretary Treasurer Dave Wondolowski joined AWF Union Podcast to analyze the work outlook, discuss the possible infrastructure plan and more.

Northeast Ohio construction work outlook

Wondolowski said the past years have been good for tradesmen and tradeswomen in northeast Ohio. This trend is supposed to continue as people and businesses move to and rebuild in the region.

In order to man this influx of work, Wondolowski said the building trades are doing their best to recruit young people into their ranks. The strategy has revolved around showing potential tradesmen and tradeswomen how much money they could earn in their first four years compared to how much they would spend on four years of college.

Vaccine distribution in the region

With the American Rescue Plan came increased funding for vaccine distribution. This allowed Ohio to open up the eligible requirements to those 16 and older.

Wondolowski said Local Union leadership has taken kindly to the vaccine. Many of the areas labor leaders have been vaccinated and he believes the tradesmen and tradeswomen are doing the same.

The American Jobs Plan

The minimal details released about President Biden’s infrastructure plan excite Wondolowski. As someone who sat on the Public Works Commission, he understands the deep need for infrastructure in Ohio.

He said the released details give the labor community more hope than what they got in the four years of former President Trump, who ran on improving infrastructure, but never proposed a plan.

As the Secretary Treasurer of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, Wondolowski is hopeful an infrastructure investment will spur other investments throughout the area. He said that horizontal construction will typically lead to vertical construction.

Laborers Local 310 Business Manager wins Irish Labor Leader of the Year
March 17, 2021

The Irish have a deep rooted history in the American labor movement. Every year, one Irish American labor leader is celebrated by the Irish Echo with the Labor Leader of the Year award.

This year, Laborers Local 310 Business Manager Terry Joyce was awarded the honor thanks to his commitment and dedication to representing the Local 310 membership. He joined AWF Union Podcast to discuss the award and the influence of the Irish in the American labor community.

Growing up in an Irish labor household

Joyce said he quickly learned the values of labor from his father, an Irish immigrant who was deeply invested in the advancement of working people of all backgrounds. He recalled kitchen table conversations about the importance of work and being treated fairly.

Quickly rising through Laborers Local 310, his father was able to help other immigrants find work. While he pushed them to join Local 310, he was pleased to see the amount of immigrants spreading out throughout the trades.

After high school, Joyce attended Loyola University. Upon graduation, he gravitated towards the labor movement, joining Local 310. He would eventually work his way into the office and later serve as Local 310 Business Manager, a position he holds today.

Irish Echo Labor Leader of the Year and community work

In December of 2020, Joyce was honored by the Irish Echo as the Labor Leader of the Year. Growing up reading The Echo, Joyce is incredibly honored.

The Echo recognized Joyce for his dedication to both the labor movement and his Irish heritage. They cited charitable work done by Joyce, such as his annual “Sending It All Back Home” recording, which collects proceeds to be donated to the Pope John Paul Center in Galway City, Ireland.

They also recognized Joyce’s leadership on a Purple Heart Home project near Cleveland. Members of Local 310 and the other area building tradesmen and tradeswomen came together to fully repair the home of a service member, who was unable to do so themselves. Listen to the podcast here.

Dave Wondolowski discusses Stricter prevailing wage laws to prevent wage theft-March 9, 2021

Wage theft has become a major problem in the non-union construction industry. Many in the labor movement are insisting on strengthening prevailing wage laws to help working people.

Prevailing wage laws help prevent wage theft, but how effective are the laws? Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski addressed the current state of the laws and what can be done to hold employers more accountable on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.

Wage theft negatively affects local economies

Prevailing wage laws were put in place to make sure that construction workers are paid a living wage, but they also help prevent wage theft.

Wondolowski said that even though there are laws in place, wage theft still runs rampant in the construction industry with non-union workers.

He said the Biden administration will be hiring an attorney to go after wage theft and issue stricter penalties to those caught doing it. Wondolowski noted that wage theft is destructive to communities by stripping them of money that would have flowed through their economy via tax revenue and spending.

With expectations that the Biden Administration appointed attorney will crack down on wage theft, there comes hope that the playing field for construction will be evened out. Right now it is already difficult for unions to compete against non-union contractors. Wondolowski expressed that he is hopeful that wage theft will be dealt with soon.

COVID rescue plan

Multiemployer pension plans have been a discussion point for years now. Finally, there is a multiemployer pension protection plan expected to be in the COVID-19 rescue package.

Wondolowski mentioned that lawmakers are ensuring there will be laws put in place in order to keep pension trustees accountable and keep the plans in good financial standing. After years of talking about a multiemployer pension plan, there is finally being action taken to protect them.

Wondolowski also discussed various projects happening in Cleveland and throughout northeast Ohio, including the Sherwin Williams Headquarters project in downtown Cleveland. Listen to the podcast here.

Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski: Biden may find bipartisan support in pension reform efforts-December 8, 2020

With the election of Vice President Joe Biden to the White House, he will have his hands full with rebuilding public trust in the federal government, the COVID-19 pandemic and more.

Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski discussed the dangers of President Trump refusing to concede and pension reform on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.

Restoring faith in the federal government and our elections

Wondolowski remained mum on President Trump’s performance throughout his term. Now that Trump has been defeated, Wondolowski said Trump has been a complete failure. He had the chance to come into D.C. as an outsider, but he squandered it.

President Trump is keeping up his fight to overturn the results of the 2020 election. This worries Wondolowski as Trump has a devoted following. President-elect Biden will have much work to do in terms of bringing the country together.

Pension reform

Wondolowski said the time where Congress continually kicks pension reform down the road needs to end.

As Congress has given themselves a great pension, they have failed the working people who plan to rely on their pension to survive. He said this is an issue with bipartisan support that is not reliant on the runoff races in Georgia for two Senate seats.

He did mention the two Georgia Republican Senatorial candidates, who were involved in what seemed to be insider trading. After receiving a confidential COVID-19 briefing, senators began trading off and buying stocks that could be seen as relatable to the pandemic, all while telling constituents that there was nothing to worry about.

Listen to the podcast here.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio gives update on Cleveland Construction and Women in the Trades-October 14, 2020

In recent years, the construction in Cleveland has been on the rise. Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski discussed the construction boom in Cleveland, getting more women in the trade and more on AWF Union Podcast.
Construction in Cleveland, Ohio
Wondolowski began by touting two recently completed projects, the Lumen building and Church and State. Both of these projects were completed on-time and on-budget despite the pandemic causing some issues.
He said there are other projects throughout the city being worked on by members of Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council affiliated unions.
One that is coming up is the new Sherwin Williams headquarters and their research and development facility. These projects are expected to break ground under a Project Labor Agreement sometime in early 2021.
Apprenticeship training and women in the trades
Wondolowski also spoke about recruiting more women into apprenticeship programs in Cleveland. He said that the Cleveland Tradeswomen Committee is working tirelessly to get the word out about the high-quality jobs and benefits of the trades.
Wondolowski praised women who take up a career in the building trades. He said they are just as capable of doing the job as their male counterparts and are great members of their respective unions.
He added that he looks forward to seeing more women in the building trades as the years pass.

You can listen to the podcast here

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio - August 11, 2020

Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowski spoke with America’s Work Force Radio Podcast on Aug. 11 about tradesmen and tradeswomen working hard to finish projects despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, northeast Ohio construction has continued to boom.

With new apartment buildings and other projects being worked on and completed, Wondolowski commended the members of the CBCTC affiliated unions for continuing to complete projects on-time and on or under-budget.

When discussing the new safety regulations put in place, Wondolowski said the members of CBCTC affiliated unions have been good about following the new standards.

He said the tendency of strict safety standards union construction workers conform to made it easy for them to follow the new standards. When the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has been largely absent, union members have held their employers and coworkers accountable for following the rules.

Lastly, Wondolowski spoke about the restart of apprenticeship classes.

Click here to listen

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio - July 14, 2020

Dave Wondolowski of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council (CBCTC) spoke about the impact COVID-19 has had on public health and the economy.

Wondolowski assured listeners that members of CBCTC affiliated unions have been showing up to work fully equipped with personal protective equipment. Also, the jobsites these tradesmen and tradeswomen work on are equipped with handwashing stations and enforced social distancing practices.

Lastly, Wondolowski discussed union suppression in Amazon factories and warehouses during the coronavirus pandemic.

AWF Radio Podcast host Ed “Flash” Ferenc spoke about Los Angeles metro bus drivers staging a protest for higher pay for working during the pandemic as cases begin to spike again. Click here to listen

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio - June 9, 2020

Dave Wondolowski, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council spoke about the need for construction workers as summer projects begin. He said with summer approaching, many construction projects will start and there is a demand for more workers on projects to ensure they get done on time and under budget. Wondolowski continued by saying training centers will begin accepting apprentices again, while adhering to improved safety standards and social distancing.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio - May 12, 2020

Dave Wondolowski, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council spoke with America’s Work Force Radio Podcast on May 12 to discuss Cleveland Building Trades affiliated members working throughout the pandemic.
In Ohio, certain construction has been deemed essential and tradesmen and tradeswomen are still working to complete projects. While they are working during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are doing what they can to remain safe while working.

Wondolowski loathed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for their lack of direction and updates to their safety standards for those who are still working. He said that thanks to union training, his affiliated members closely follow the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) for safety guidelines that will help them stay safe while working through this pandemic. While speaking about safety standards during the pandemic, Wondolowski mentioned the increased availability of no-contact thermometers which can be used by workers to find out if they are feverish and potentially sick. Lastly, he spoke about the Sherwin Williams headquarters project in Cleveland and how it has been delayed due to the ongoing pandemic.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio - April 14, 2020

Dave Wondolowski, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, spoke about ensuring the safety of construction workers on their job sites. He said that his affiliated members have been following the recommended safety guidelines. Along with wearing personal protective equipment, he said that they are practicing distancing on the job whenever possible. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wondolowski said that construction in the Cleveland area has slowed down and work is only being done on essential projects. Lastly, he talked about voting online and why people should apply for a mail in ballot.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio - March 10, 2020

Dave Wondolowski, executive secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, spoke with America’s Work Force on March 10 to discuss the Sherwin Williams Project in Cleveland.
Wondolowski said that after months of deliberation, Sherwin Williams elected to build a new headquarters in Cleveland. Along with the new headquarters, there will also be a research and development facility located in Brecksville, OH. Wondolowski said that this is good for the city because it will create hundreds of jobs, boosting the local economy. He stated that he intends to meet with construction management for Sherwin Williams to put together a Project Labor Agreement for the workers on this project. Wondolowski also discussed the need to get younger people into the trades to replace the older generation of workers who are retiring. You can listen HERE

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – Nov. 12, 2019

You do not want to miss Dave Wondolowoski, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, as he makes his monthly appearance on America’s Work Force Radio. Wondolowski and AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc discuss the recent November General Election and the 25 percent voter turnout in Cuyahoga County. Talk then turned to National Save Apprenticeship Week. Wondolowski explained how this year the week was renamed from National Apprenticeship Week to National Save Apprenticeship Week. This was done to help raise awareness about Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, called IRAPs, which if implanted in the construction industry, will hurt building trades unions and their training programs.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – Aug. 13, 2019

Listen to Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowoski, as he makes his monthly appearance on America’s Work Force Radio. Wondolowski tells AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc how Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, called IRAPs, will negatively impact the union construction industry. Currently, the construction industry is temporarily exempted from IRAPs, but following a comment period, which is scheduled to end on Aug. 26, that could change. Following the Aug. 26 comment period, the Department of Labor will make the exception permanent or allow IRAPs in construction. Wondolowski urges everyone to comment and tell the DOL that IRAPs do not belong in the construction industry.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – July 9, 2019

Check out the conversation Dave Wondolowoski, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, had with America’s Work Force Radio AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc. Wondolowski cautioned that if Ohioans elect a majority of anti-union legislators, they could hurt the state just like politicians in Tennessee have nearly destroyed the construction industry in their state. Thanks to major union organizing efforts, many non-union jobs in Nashville are finally becoming safer and the average wage has increased from $11 to $20 per hour. He also talks about the booming work situation in Greater Cleveland, and the need to recruit apprentices.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – Dec. 11, 2018

Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, Dave Wondolowoski, provided his final thoughts on the 2018 midterm elections during his monthly appearance on America’s Work Force Radio. Wondolowski told AWF host Ed “Flash” Ferenc the building trades are working to build a stronger coalition in the statehouse of elected official who understand and support issues of greatest importance to the union construction industry. He said 2019 will be a busy year for his members and the building trades will be advocating for Ohio’s legislators, governor and state attorney general to enforce Prevailing Wage laws, fight against So-Called “Right to Work” legislation and support Project Labor Agreements. They are also concerned about Workers’ Compensation reform. The building trades have worked hard over the last six to eight years to educate politicians on their registered apprenticeship programs, and have received praise from both Republicans and Democrats.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – Nov. 13, 2018

Dave Wondolowoski, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, during his monthly appearance, discussed midterm election results with America’s Work Force Radio host Ed “Flash” Ferenc. A member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, Wondolowski said there was a 54 percent turnout, which he called historic for the county in a midterm election year and led to great results for many Democratic candidates in the county. He discussed this thoughts on working with Governor-elect Mike DeWine on moving the state forward and also the results of the Ohio Supreme Court races.

Doreen Cannon promotes Apprenticeship Fair on America’s Work Force Radio – Oct. 17, 2018

Doreen Cannon, President of Plumbers Local 55 and head of the Cleveland Building Trades Tradeswomen Committee, and Ed “Flash” Ferenc, host of America’s Work Force Radio, discuss an upcoming Apprenticeship Fair. The event will be held on Oct. 24 at the Pipefitters Local 120 Hall, located at 6305 Halle Drive in Cleveland, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Women and minorities are encouraged to attend and learn more about a career in the building trades. Anyone who comes to the event can speak with tradesmen and tradeswomen about the work they perform or what it takes to complete an apprenticeship in their field. Cannon said the average journeyman in the trades makes between $60 to $65 per hour, a wage package that pays for health insurance, retirement benefits and their paycheck. When the fringe benefits are removed, the average journeyman will still take home between $30 to $35 per hour in pay. Apprentices earn while they learn, which means they earn a livable wage while working in the field alongside journeymen, learning the ins and outs of their craft, while also receiving mandatory classroom instruction to help further their trade knowledge and keep them safe on the jobsite. Nearly all apprenticeships offer free college credit towards an associate degree, without the debt college students often incur.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – Oct. 9, 2018

During his monthly appearance, Executive Secretary of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Dave Wondolowoski and Ed “Flash” Ferenc, host of America’s Work Force Radio, discuss the upcoming November General Election. Wondolowski talked about the importance of voter turnout. In addition to his position with the Cleveland Building Trades, Wondolowski also serves as a member of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. He said the board expects an overall voter turnout of 45 percent, but he hopes it will be closer to 48 or 50 percent. A higher turnout in Cuyahoga County would likely lead to more votes for Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate Rich Cordray, who the CBCTC has endorsed. They also discuss other races including U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown against U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci in the battle for Brown’s senate seat, and Steve Dettlebach against David Yost to become Ohio’s next attorney general. Early voting, which includes absentee and early, in-person voting, begins in Ohio on Oct. 10. The Cleveland Building Trades are busy campaigning for their endorsed candidates, as they have their boots on the ground every day.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – Sept. 11, 2018

Dave Wondolowoski, Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary, and America’s Work Force Radio, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc talked about the upcoming General Election on Nov. 6. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 9 and Wondolowski encouraged anyone who has not already done so, to register to vote. He predicted Ohio Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate Rich Cordray will win if he gets 450,000 Democratic votes in Cuyahoga County. Besides politics, they also discussed apprenticeships. Wondolowski said there is shortage of apprentices, but his affiliated trades have been able to man projects. With the economy booming, there is a shortage in many industries including manufacturing. The Cleveland Building Trades are sponsoring an apprenticeship fair night on Oct. 24 at the Pipefitters Local 120 Hall in Cleveland from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Besides the apprenticeship fair, Wondolowski discussed some of the area high schools the CBCTC is working with to help bring back a broad range of vocational classes.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – Aug. 14, 2018

Don’t miss Dave Wondolowski, Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary, and Ed “Flash” Ferenc, host of America’s Workforce Radio, as they talk about a proposed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rule change that may allow the use of asbestos in certain construction products. Asbestos, a known carcinogen, has been heavily restricted in the U.S., but the Supreme Court struck down a law banning the deadly mineral in the late 1980s. Now, thanks to the potential action of the EPA, the lives of construction workers and anyone they may come into contact with asbestos, may be put at risk by breathing in deadly fibers. They also discussed the impact of Missouri’s repeal of So-Called “Right to Work” legislation and the special election held in Ohio’s 12th Congressional District. According to Wondolowski, these results may signal the start of the “blue wave,” propelling Democrats, such as Rich Cordray to win this November. The segment also includes a discussion about the potential purging of Ohio voters from the registered voters poll and Betty Sutton’s background.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – July 10, 2018

Check out Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowoski and Ed “Flash” Ferenc, host of America’s Workforce Radio, as they discuss the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in the Janus case, which Wondolowski said will reshape the constitution. The Janus ruling creates So Called “Right to Work” nationwide in the public sector and allows non-union members to opt of out paying “fair share” fees. They also discuss how current Ohio Attorney General and Ohio Republican Party Governor candidate Mike DeWine refuses to take a stance against So Called “Right to Work” legislation. DeWine’s Democratic opponent, Richard Cordray, has gone on the record saying he is against So Called “Right to Work” legislation. Wondolowski also talks about a column he writes in The Labor Citizen, where he focuses on the importance of his members voting for what is best for their jobs in order to take care of their families and to help improve their future.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – June 12, 2018

America’s Work Force Radio, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc and Dave Wondolowoski, Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary, discuss the recent repeal of Prevailing Wage in Michigan. The Cleveland Building Trades endorsed Ohio gubernatorial candidate Richard Cordray, who easily won Ohio’s May Democratic Primary. As Ohio’s Attorney General, Cordray stood up for Prevailing Wage and ensured the law was enforced. The Cleveland Building Trades endorsed Cordray and Wondolowski said his members will embark upon a grassroots campaign not seen before in this area.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – May 8, 2018

Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary Dave Wondolowoski and Ed “Flash” Ferenc, host of America’s Work Force Radio, discuss the Primary Election and how the CBCTC has endorsed Democratic gubernatorial ticket of Richard Cordray and Betty Sutton. They also talk about the Cleveland Building Trades being featured at the North America’s Building Trades Union Legislative Conference for their work in helping union pension funds successfully invest in area projects. Discussion also turns to the need for apprentices in all CBCTC affiliated unions.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – April 10, 2018

Dave Wondolowoski, Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary, and America’s Work Force Radio, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc talk about recent issues with Ohio’s Unemployment Compensation Fund, which has faced solvency issues. They discuss how efforts to change the system could hurt building trades members. Wondolowski also talked about the need for apprentices. He believes the lack of apprentices is a societal issue. They also talk about Ohio’s upcoming May gubernatorial primary, in which the CBCTC has endorsed Richard Cordray.

Dave Wondolowski on America’s Work Force Radio – February 13, 2018

America’s Work Force Radio, host Ed “Flash” Ferenc and Dave Wondolowoski, Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council Executive Secretary, discussed how Ohio state representatives are once again taking aim at Prevailing Wage, along with other union-busting measures. They also discussed tax cuts and a possible federal infrastructure program and the impact an infrastructure bill could have on Ohioans. Wondolowski also talked about the 2018 construction year and some of the major projects his affiliated members will tackle this year, including the I-480 Bridge, multiple public school buildings and the John Hartness Brown Building.