Fred Redmond on labor rights, tariffs and political shifts

Picture of awfblog awfblog April 4, 2025

America's Work Force Union Podcast AFL-CIO AWF

AFL-CIO-Logo_400x400

Guest Name:

Fred Redmond

Guest Website:

Guest Social Media:

Supportive Documents:

Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the intersection of labor and civil rights, the implications of recent tariffs and the political shifts evident in recent elections.

Redmond underscored the historical connection between labor and civil rights, referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s advocacy for both movements. He stressed the importance of speaking out against injustices and drawing parallels between past and present struggles. Redmond argued that the labor movement must continue to be a vocal advocate for equality and justice, as these issues remain deeply interconnected.

Next, Redmond criticized the recent tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. He argued that while targeted tariffs can address specific issues like steel dumping, a broad application burdens American families. Redmond warned that such measures could lead to increased costs for everyday goods, affecting the economy and workers' livelihoods across various sectors.

Finally, Redmond highlighted the political shifts seen in recent elections, particularly in Wisconsin and Florida. He believes these outcomes were caused by voters rejecting the influence of wealthy individuals like Elon Musk on American politics. Redmond suggested that these results indicate a growing public resistance to the current administration's policies and a desire for change, as voters increasingly recognize the impact of political decisions on their daily lives.

Listen to the full episode above for more from Redmond.

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.

Fred Redmond on labor rights, tariffs and political shifts

SUBSCRIBE ON:

Fred Redmond on labor rights, tariffs and political shifts

Construction challenges and political engagement in Central Ohio

IFPTE President sounding the alarm on federal workforce attacks

RECENT EPISODES

Fred Redmond on labor rights, tariffs and political shifts

Construction challenges and political engagement in Central Ohio

IFPTE President sounding the alarm on federal workforce attacks

SUBSCRIBE

NEWSLETTER