Organizing DC’s Iconic Venues & The Battle for AI Guardrails | IATSE Local 22 & AFL-CIO

Two major labor stories define today’s episode: a historic organizing win at some of the nation’s most famous music venues and the national fight to set rules for Artificial Intelligence in the workplace.

First, Ryan Chavka, Business Agent for IATSE Local 22, joins the show to break down the massive union victory for concert production workers at The 9:30 Club, The Anthem, The Atlantis, and Lincoln Theatre. Chavka takes listeners inside the campaign, describing the “standing room only” meeting that started it all and explaining why scheduling predictability and respect—not just wages—drove the vote. He also discusses the challenges of the "overhire" system and what lies ahead as workers move toward bargaining their first contract.

Then, Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the AFL-CIO, provides a critical legislative update from Capitol Hill. He details the bipartisan passage of the Protect America’s Workforce Act in the House, which aims to restore collective bargaining rights for federal workers, and outlines the strategy to overcome the Senate filibuster. Calemine also discusses the labor movement’s push for AI Guardrails, explaining why states must retain the power to regulate technology to protect worker privacy and job security.

Featured Guests:

• Ryan Chavka, Business Agent, IATSE Local 22
• Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy, AFL-CIO

Hosted by: Ed "Flash" Ferenc



More...