Young Workers March on D.C. & The “Good Jobs” Shortage | AFGE & Ironworkers Local 5

Two major labor stories from the nation’s capital dominate today’s episode. First, Dr. Kendrick Roberson, National Vice President of AFGE, joins the show to preview the historic Young Worker March on Washington scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7. Roberson details why workers under 40 are mobilizing near the U.S. Capitol to demand a living wage and relief from the affordability crisis in housing and education. He also discusses the "representation gap"—why 77% of young workers support unions but only 7% are members—and plans to honor AFGE member Alex Pretti during the event. Then, Ryan Marshall, organizer for Ironworkers Local 5, steps in to debunk the "skilled labor shortage" myth. He argues the construction industry isn't facing a worker shortage, but a shortage of good jobs. Marshall highlights the massive data center boom in Northern Virginia, the $48 million cost of worker misclassification in D.C., and why Local 5 is treating mental health and suicide prevention as critical jobsite safety issues. Featured Guests: Dr. Kendrick Roberson, National VP, AFGE Ryan Marshall, Organizer, Ironworkers Local 5 Hosted by: Ed "Flash" Ferenc