Inside Government

Antonyio Johnson, Mark Begich, Chris Van Hollen, Kim Munley, Mark Todd, Don Hale, Patty Viers

AFGE — Fri, 5 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST

The next steps for Department of Transportation workers who were furloughed are discussed on AFGE's Inside Government. AFGE DOT Local 3313 President Antonyio Johnson will shed light on the furloughs at DOT, which left 2,000 federal workers jobless. Johnson also will address how the union and agency worked together to keep employees informed and find a resolution. Passage of the bill that put the federal workers back on the job occurred earlier this week; however, questions remain going forward.

But first, Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) and Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) will discuss the final push to pass health care reform. Begich also will recap his first year as a U.S. senator, while Van Hollen will address the need to keep inherently governmental jobs inside the federal government.

Fort Hood heroes and AFGE members Sgts. Kim Munley and Mark Todd then will look back at their courageous actions in taking down the Fort Hood shooter on Nov. 5, 2009. Sgts. Munley and Todd ended the mass shooting, which left 13 dead and 30 wounded.

Lastly, AFGE Defense Conference (DEFCON) Chair Don Hale and Vice Chair Patty Viers will discuss the end of the National Security Personnel System. Hale and Viers also will look ahead to insourcing at the Department of Defense, the next major undertaking for DEFCON.

Richard Trumka, Frank Pallone, Bob Edgar, and Ron Pollack

AFGE — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will appear this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" nationally syndicated radio program to address the need for collective bargaining rights at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The interview, which originally aired last week on "Inside Government," follows a massive TSA rally that took place this week at the AFL-CIO headquarters in Washington, D.C. The rally featured hundreds of Transportation Security Officers, union members, and activists from around the country who came together in support of these critical workplace rights. A recap of the rally with producer Jason Fornicola will soon be available on "Inside Government" TV at www.youtube.com/afgeonline.

U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone (D-N.J.), who chairs the Health subcommittee on the House Energy and Commerce committee, will share his thoughts on health care reform as an economic issue and his displeasure with the proposed tax on health care plans.

Common Cause President and CEO and former U.S. Rep. Bob Edgar (D-Pa.) then will analyze the recent Supreme Court decision to lift restrictions on corporate campaign spending, as well as strategies for financial reform.

Lastly, Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack will address the need to finalize health care reform and describe what a final bill might look like.

Beth Moten, Richard Trumka, Ron Pollack

AFGE — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

The American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) annual Legislative and Grassroots Mobilization Conference will be previewed this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” nationally syndicated radio program. AFGE Legislative and Political Director Beth Moten will discuss the event, during which thousands of AFGE activists descend on Capitol Hill to meet with their congressional representatives. Moten also will detail AFGE’s reaction to President Obama’s 2011 budget proposal, including the importance of pay parity between civilian federal employees and the military.

But first, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka will discuss the need to secure collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers, and what the AFL-CIO has done to support AFGE in this fight.

Lastly, Families USA Executive Director Ron Pollack will address the need to finalize health care reform and describe what a final bill might look like.

John Sarbanes, Donna Edwards, Susan Turnbull

AFGE — Fri, 5 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST

Three of Maryland’s most influential Democrats will appear this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” nationally syndicated radio program. U.S. Representatives John Sarbanes (D-Md.) and Donna Edwards (D-Md.), and Maryland Democratic Party Chairwoman Susan Turnbull will discuss the Democratic Party’s biggest priorities and challenges – both in Maryland and nationwide. Sarbanes will discuss the recent Supreme Court decision to lift restrictions on corporate campaign spending, and the fight for health care reform. Edwards then will discuss infrastructure improvements in her district, politicians working together to achieve results, and doing right by the taxpayer. Turnbull will discuss her work moving Maryland’s Democratic Party forward, and how important federal employees are to the state’s success.

Lastly, national Democratic strategist and former Clinton White House staffer Bob Weiner will touch on a range of subjects including health care reform and the recent Massachusetts Senate election.

John Gage, Jason Wilder, and Bill Press

AFGE — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

AFGE National President John Gage will highlight the union’s fight to secure collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” nationally syndicated radio program. Gage will touch on a number of key issues at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), including Erroll Southers’ recent decision to remove his name from consideration as TSA administrator. Gage then will detail AFGE’s plan moving forward to secure collective bargaining rights for TSOs.

AFGE U.S. Marshals Service Local 2272 President Jason Wilder will discuss critical outsourcing problems at the nation’s oldest law enforcement agency, including the impact on career paths, promotions and employee morale. Wilder also will detail his local’s efforts to communicate with agency management to correct the problems.

Lastly, political journalist Bill Press, host of “The Bill Press Show,” will address the state of affairs in Washington politics – from health care reform to President Obama’s proposed government spending freeze.

Amy Dean, Rick Smith, Willie Hardin

AFGE — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

Labor's new activism book "A New New Deal: How Regional Activism Will Reshape the American Labor Movement" will be discussed this week on the American Federation of Government Employees' (AFGE) "Inside Government" radio program. Amy Dean, who co-wrote the book with David Reynolds, will go inside the labor movement to address the biggest issues facing U.S. labor unions. Dean will argue that labor's power comes from regional activism and engages people throughout the community, not just at the workplace. Dean also will detail labor's three legs of regional power building: research and policy development, deep coalitions, and aggressive political action.

But first, listeners will hear from AFGE U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Local 1534 First Vice President Willy Hardin, who will describe the contracting out issues at USAID. Hardin also will detail the climate of retaliation in the workplace, and what his local is doing to combat it.

Rick Smith, host of "The Rick Smith Show," then will discuss the current health care debate, labor history, and radio's impact on the labor movement.

Clayborne Carson, Dwight Bowman, Leisha Self

AFGE — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

The life of Martin Luther King Jr. will be remembered this week on the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) “Inside Government” radio program. The show will air on Friday, Jan. 15 at 10 a.m. EST nationwide on Federal News Radio at www.federalnewsradio.com and 1500 AM in the Washington, D.C. area.

Stanford University’s Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute Director Clayborne Carson will look back on life of Dr. King. Carson, who edited “The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.,” will discuss what he learned as an attendee of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. Carson also will highlight the efforts of the King Institute, including the King Papers Project and the Liberation Curriculum.

But first, listeners will learn about the Take Back D.C. Coalition fight to save city services and stand up for public workers. The coalition, which includes members from AFGE’s D.C. government locals and D.C. area activists, teachers, and taxi cab drivers, was formed to combat efforts to privatize and reduce public services. AFGE 14th District National Vice President Dwight Bowman and Legal Rights Attorney Leisha Self will detail the work thus far by the coalition. Bowman also will address the anti-worker sentiment throughout the mayor’s administration while Self will shed light on the firing of long-term staff attorneys in the D.C. Attorney General’s office.

J. David Cox

AFGE — Fri, 1 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST

The American Federation of Government Employees' National Secretary-Treasurer J. David Cox will preview 2010 this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio program. Cox will recap AFGE's efforts in 2009 and look ahead to the union's priorities for 2010, including additional organizing efforts, contract bargaining with various agencies, and improving technology for AFGE's members.

In addition, Cox will examine the following issues:

Eliminating Veterans Administration outsourcing
Collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers
Full staffing and funding at the Bureau of Prison and Social Security Administration
Ending the National Security Personnel System

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Mark Williams, David Wright, Enid Doggett

AFGE — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST

U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) will highlight his public jobs bill this week on the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) “Inside Government” radio program. The show will air on Friday, Dec. 18 at 10 a.m. EST nationwide on Federal News Radio at www.federalnewsradio.com and 1500 AM in the Washington, D.C., area.

Congressman Ellison’s Put America to Work Act of 2009 (H.R. 4268) would create 1 million jobs nationwide in the public and non-profit sectors and focus on critical infrastructure and revitalization projects. The $40 billion initiative has attracted support from 49 other members of Congress.

Listeners then will hear from AFGE National Benefits Coordinator Mark Williams, who will detail the new Super Guarantee Program and Medical Bill Negotiation Service.

AFGE Federal Protective Service Local 918 President David Wright next will address the House Homeland Security Committee’s November hearing on the challenges at FPS, including an over-reliance on contract security personnel.

Lastly, AFGE Communications Director Enid Doggett will summarize her department’s efforts throughout the last year, including a recap of “Inside Government,” communications strategies for AFGE’s fight to secure collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers and the battle against the National Security Personnel System.

Jacque Simon, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, John Irons

AFGE — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST

The Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan (FEHBP) open enrollment period will be examined this week on the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) “Inside Government” radio program.

AFGE Public Policy Director Jacque Simon will educate listeners on this year’s FEHBP open enrollment period and address any changes enrollees can expect to see. Simon also will analyze the pros and cons of Flexible Spending Accounts.

But first, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) will address rate increases for federal long-term care insurance holders. Federal employees who signed up the program seven years ago under the automatic compound inflation (ACI) option were led to believe that their premiums would not increase. Those enrollees learned recently that their premiums in fact would go up, in some cases as much as 25 percent. Connolly has requested the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee hold a hearing to investigate the issue.

Lastly, Economic Policy Institute Research and Policy Director John Irons will provide a 2010 jobs outlook. EPI recently unveiled its five-point American Jobs Plan, which aims to create at least 4 million jobs within the first year.

Jacque Simon, Gerry Connolly, John Irons

AFGE — Fri, 4 Dec 2009 12:00:00 EST

Ed Rendell, Bryan Lowry, Cheryl Eliano, and Dave Johnson

AFGE — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Governor Ed Rendell (D-Pa.) will discuss how union jobs contribute to a green and thriving economy this week on the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) “Inside Government” radio program.

AFGE Council of Prison Locals President Bryan Lowry then will address the staffing and funding issues facing the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), in addition to his council’s request for additional equipment such as stab-resistant vests and non-lethal weaponry. Lowry also will shed light on the latest assaults and violent uprisings inside the BOP.

AFGE Fort Hood Local 1920 President Cheryl Eliano will provide a special update on the recovery status of Sgt. Kim Munley, an AFGE member, whose heroic efforts stopped a shooting rampage at Fort Hood in Texas.

Finally, Campaign for America’s Future Fellow Dave Johnson will discuss the U.S. trade deficit and the long-term dangers of borrowing money to buy goods made in other countries. Johnson also will stress the importance of making goods in the U.S. and its contribution to a strong economy.

Leo Gerard, Ron Ault, Parris Glendening, and Scott Paul

AFGE — Fri, 6 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST

Building a new economy that utilizes clean energy, a 21st century infrastructure and allows the U.S. to thrive on the global stage will be the focus of this week’s AFGE “Inside Government” radio show.

United Steelworkers President Leo Gerard and AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department President Ron Ault will discuss how unions are vital to the success and growth of the U.S. economy. Gerard also will focus on trade and infrastructure development, while Ault will analyze the repeal of the National Security Personnel System.

Former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening then will shed light on his green jobs initiative through the Smart Growth Leadership Institute. Glendening also will reflect on his work as governor, including bringing collective bargaining rights to state employees.

Lastly, Alliance for American Manufacturing Executive Director Scott Paul will address the need for American-made goods and keeping good manufacturing jobs in the U.S.

John Gage, Johnnie Walker, Don Hale

AFGE — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) National President John Gage will update members on the state of the union this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio program.

Gage will address of number of key issues facing federal workers including collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers, critical staffing shortages at the Bureau of Prisons, the fight to protect government workers from the H1N1 virus, labor/management relations, and health care reform.

AFGE D.C. Local 383 President Johnnie Walker then will discuss his Local’s efforts to prevent the elimination of critical District of Columbia government services including those provided by the Addiction Prevention and Recovery Administration.

Lastly, AFGE DEFCON Chair Don Hale will detail AFGE’s fight to stop the contracting out of hundreds of jobs at of United States Military Academy at West Point. Hale will discuss the Government Accountability Office decision to uphold AFGE’s protest of the Army’s privatization plans, which would have impacted more than 500 jobs.

Mark Gibson, Elijah Cummings, Donna Edwards, and Antoine Orr

AFGE — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

The elimination of the National Security Personnel System (NSPS) from the House’s 2010 Defense authorization bill will be addressed this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio program.

AFGE Labor Relations Specialist Mark Gibson, who for years has fought to prevent the implementation of NSPS, will discuss what’s next for employees impacted by the pay-for-performance system. Gibson also will reflect on AFGE’s work to defend the rights of all civilian Defense workers.

Listeners will hear from U.S. Reps. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) and Donna Edwards (D-Md.), who attended the recent Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. Cummings will talk about his efforts to secure collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers and Edwards will discuss the need to keep inherently governmental work in house.

Lastly, Antoine Orr, financial planner and author of “Inside the Huddle: Don’t Plan Your Future Without It,” will share his thoughts on retirement planning in a changing financial world.

Patricia McGinnis, Rob Moore, and Perry Pidgeon Hooks

AFGE — Fri, 9 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

Listen to AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show to hear White House Special Advisor Patricia McGinnis and former Transportation Security Officer (TSO) and AFGE activist Ron Moore. Moore, now a special interest columnist for Washington, D.C.’s Examiner.com, recently wrote a book of poetry titled “Washington Cats.”

McGinnis, who advises the Obama administration on leadership programs for presidential appointees, will discuss qualities that embody good government leaders and building successful federal programs.

Moore will share his book of poetry, “Washington Cats,” written during a very trying period in his career. Moore also will discuss AFGE’s commitment to securing collective bargaining rights for TSOs, and how the union stood by him during his time of need.

Hooks Book Events President Perry Pidgeon Hooks then will discuss her fall lineup of public author events, which include Deepak Chopra, Steven Levitt, and David Baldacci. Federal employees interested in inviting authors to speak at their agencies can visit www.hooksbookevents.com for more information.

Jacque Simon, Chris Garlock, and Bill Schauman

AFGE — Fri, 2 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST

The recent Office of Personnel Management announcement that premiums under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) will increase in 2010 by an average of 8.8 percent will be addressed this week on AFGE's "Inside Government" radio show.

AFGE Public Policy Director Jacque Simon will analyze the premium spike, which includes an increase for Blue Cross Blue Shield Standard Option participants by 15 percent for self coverage and 12 percent for family coverage – an increase that will affect 60 percent of all FEHBP enrollees.

But first, listeners will get a preview of the 9th annual D.C. Labor FilmFest from Director Chris Garlock. The event is scheduled for Oct. 13 – 19 at the American Film Institute's Silver Theater and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Md. Garlock will highlight a number of films, including "Office Space," "Situations Vacant," and the Whistleblower Film Series. For more information, please visit www.dclabor.org.

Lastly, AFGE Census Local 2782 President Bill Schauman will discuss the dangers Census workers face conducting door-to-door interviews throughout the United States. Schauman also will address the negative feelings some have toward federal employees, and what AFGE is doing to change that attitude.

Danielle Brian, Charity Wilson, and Paul F. Clark

AFGE — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

The need for stronger whistleblower protections for federal employees will be addressed this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show.

The Project on Government Oversight (POGO) Executive Director Danielle Brian will highlight efforts to protect federal employees who report waste, fraud, and abuse in the workplace. Brian also will discuss resources available for federal whistleblowers and legislation designed to protect them.

But first, AFGE Legislative Representative Charity Wilson will address President Obama’s nomination of Erroll Southers as the new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Assistant Secretary. Wilson also will address TSA’s misguided pay-for-performance system, which she calls “a gigantic slap in the face to TSOs.”

Paul F. Clark, author of “Building More Effective Unions,” then will discuss methods to strengthen labor unions through communication, member orientation and socialization, and organizing. Clark, who serves as the head of Penn State University’s Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations, also will share his thoughts on ways to reach younger workers.

Patrick Remigio, Don Hands, Michael Victorian, Robert Mayfield, Ben Butler, and Kim Kraynak

AFGE — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

Activists from the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) will shed light on issues facing their agencies this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Council 118 President Patrick Remigio will discuss low staffing and funding levels, and efforts to have Council 118’s contract enforced at the agency. Department of Defense Local 2024 Chief Steward Don Hands then will share his concerns about contracting out initiatives and the National Security Personnel System. AFGE Communications Specialist Michael Victorian will discuss the union’s Young & Organizing Unionists for the Next Generation (Y.O.U.N.G.) program.

Listeners then will hear from Local Presidents Robert Mayfield (2978), Ben Butler (2741), and Kim Kraynak (332). Mayfield and Butler will highlight issues facing D.C. government workers including the privatization of critical services. Kraynak will share her thoughts on the dire need for collective bargaining rights at the Transportation Security Administration.

Ricky McCoy, Joe Henderson, Derek Willingham, and Jamie Foster Brown

AFGE — Fri, 4 Sep 2009 12:00:00 EST

The American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) efforts to secure collective bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) will be addressed this week on AFGE’s “Inside Government” radio show.

AFGE Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Local 777 President Ricky McCoy will discuss the recent meeting that took place between AFGE and TSA management—the first formal labor-management meeting at the agency. McCoy also will shed light on morale problems at TSA and the dire need for collective bargaining rights. But first, AFGE Associate General Counsel Joe Henderson will detail Case Track, AFGE’s unique case catalog system. AFGE Labor Relations Specialist Derek Willingham then will highlight the new Young & Organizing Unionists for the Next Generation (Y.O.U.N.G.) program at AFGE and the importance of recruiting the younger generation to AFGE.

Lastly, Sister 2 Sister magazine Publisher Jamie Foster Brown will discuss a new program she’s spearheading to assist single mothers in the Washington, D.C. area. The program focuses on single mothers with young sons who are at risk of going down the wrong path in life.