Matthews talks about issues Joe Biden may have when taking office

The incoming administration will have their hands full with finding ways to right the wrongs at the National Labor Relations Board, provide relief to Americans and more.

Communications Workers of America District 4 Administrative Director Frank Mathews discussed what he expects from the incoming Biden administration, how CWA members are faring in California and more on America’s Work Force Union Podcast.

What the Biden administration needs to do

As January approaches, Mathews hopes there will be a smooth transition from the Trump administration to the Biden administration, though he doubts as President Trump continues with deregulation efforts and more.

Under President Trump the NLRB has been more corporate-friendly as opposed to worker-friendly by ignoring worker complaints. Mathews hopes this will change under the Biden administration when he gets the opportunity to shake things up at the NLRB.

COVID-19 relief package

At the beginning of the pandemic, congress was able to work on a stimulus package and come to an agreement. It has now been six months and there is not a relief package in sight.

The House of Representatives has managed to pass relief packages. These have not seen the Senate floor for debate or a vote, as they sit on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s desk.

Mathews said Senate Republicans have been more interested in confirming judges than they have been in providing relief to Americans and businesses.

COVID-19 outbreak among CWA members in California

The CWA is calling on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to investigate AT&T for mishandling an outbreak and exposing employees to the virus.

Mathews expects it to be taken care of, thanks to the presence of the CWA. He added that workplaces with a union presence have been better about responding to COVID-19 issues in a timely, effective manner than those without a union present.