On today’s episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast, John Paul Smith, Executive Assistant to AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond, discussed his union journey, his perspective on recent political shifts and a historic milestone for the United Steelworkers.
Smith began by sharing his personal background with USW Local 7-699 in Metropolis, Ill. He spoke of his early experiences at Honeywell—where he endured several lockouts—and how these events motivated him to get active within his local union and the broader labor movement. Smith highlighted his third-generation membership in Laborers Local 773, emphasizing the family tradition and personal commitment that fueled his advocacy. This deep union heritage laid the foundation for Smith’s later roles in government affairs, public policy and eventually, his work at the AFL-CIO alongside Fred Redmond.
Turning to politics, Smith reflected on the importance of the recent elections and the underlying sentiment among working people. He pointed out how frustration with government shutdowns and lagging policies contributed to a significant shift at the ballot box. Smith noted that the results weren’t limited to high-profile races. School boards and county offices, which had long been held by Republicans, flipped by substantial margins, signaling that working families are demanding change and a stronger voice. He connected these outcomes to the day-to-day struggles faced by union members. He highlighted how extended shutdowns have forced essential workers, such as air traffic controllers, to take on second jobs to survive, making the labor movement’s advocacy more urgent than ever.
Finally, Smith celebrated a groundbreaking moment for the United Steelworkers: Roxanne Brown’s election as the union’s first-ever female African American president. Smith, who himself benefitted from the Steelworkers’ Next Gen leadership development program, spoke with pride about Brown’s historic achievement and the strength she brings to the role as a leader, mentor and trailblazer. He described Brown as a unifying figure across political lines and a beloved presence wherever she goes—poised to guide the union through new challenges.
For more from Smith, listen to the full episode of the America’s Work Force Union Podcast.
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.
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