Ironworkers Local 8’s BM discusses union growth and upcoming events
Charlie Falkner, Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 8 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the...
1 min read
Season 6, Episode 105
awfblog
May 27, 2025
Guest Name:
Tom Buffenbarger
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Tom Buffenbarger, retired General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the potential U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel partnership, the potential impact of fluctuating tariffs and Boeing.
Buffenbarger began by expressing his strong opposition to the U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel partnership, aligning with United Steelworkers President Dave McCall's concerns. He criticized the deal as detrimental to American workers, as it would bring a risk of foreign control over a national industry. Buffenbarger said he believes the partnership contradicts the principles of American capitalism and could undermine the steel sector's stability.
Buffenbarger then discussed the volatile nature of tariffs under the current administration and the potential negative impact of inconsistent tariff policies on businesses and individuals. He warned that tariff unpredictability could create economic instability, affecting everything from retirement planning to the housing market, and urged for a more stable approach to trade policies.
Finally, Buffenbarger addressed Boeing's recent challenges and opportunities. He discussed the positive impact of a significant aircraft deal with Middle Eastern countries while also cautioning against an over-reliance on such agreements. Buffenbarger also discussed the plans for a new Air Force One, where he questioned the financial prudence of retrofitting an aircraft from the Middle East. Buffenbarger said he believes having the union facilities work with the President to create a new Air Force One would be a better option.
Listen to the full episode above to hear more from Buffenbarger.
America’s Work Force is the only daily labor podcast in the US 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. America’s Work Force is committed to providing an accessible venue in which America's workers and their families can hear discussion on important, relevant topics such as employment, healthcare, legislative action, labor-management relations, corporate practices, finances, local and national politics, consumer reports and labor issues.
America’s Work Force Union Podcast is brought to you in part by our sponsors: AFL-CIO, American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of Musicians Local 4, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes-IBT, Boyd Watterson, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Communication Workers of America, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 50, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 6, Ironworkers Great Lakes District Council, Melwood, The Labor Citizen newspaper, Laborers International Union of North America, The National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, North Coast Area Labor Federation, Ohio Federation of Teachers, United Labor Agency, United Steelworkers.
Charlie Falkner, Business Manager of Ironworkers Local 8 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the...
Tom Buffenbarger, retired General President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, joined the America's Work Force...
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