Dave Megenhardt, Executive Director of the United Labor Agency, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the 2024 Year-end Report from the ULA and the annual Unsung Heroes of the Labor Movement Dinner.
Over the past year, the ULA has made several changes to better assist Northeast Ohio residents in finding a career. Megenhardt talked about the changes that have taken place, which helped the organization assist more than 800 workers in learning new career skills. He spoke about the importance of workers being able to retool and adjust to changing workforce demands.
One of the changes Megenhardt highlighted is the addition of a full-time counselor and counseling services. He said the services are offered to union members and non-union workers who need assistance. Megenhardt said the services were created to adapt to the community's demand for better mental health care.
Recently, the ULA held its annual Unsung Heroes fundraising dinner and award ceremony. Megenhardt discussed the history of the dinner and how the awards have changed over the years. Gone are the days of highlighting the individuals who were often in the limelight. Now, he said the awards are given to the labor workers who are frequently overlooked. Megenhardt said these honorees usually have an inspirational story, and through the Unsung Heroes Dinner, they receive the recognition they deserve.
For more from the ULA, listen to the show above.