PODCAST · news
Labor Express Radio
by Jerry Mead - Lucero
Labor Express Radio is Chicago's only English language labor news and current affairs radio program. “News for working people, by working people.” Our program covers issues in the labor movement locally, nationally, and internationally. The program also addresses issues of concern to working people such as housing, education, health care, immigrants rights, the environment and U.S. foreign policy, from a working class viewpoint. Labor Express Radio airs Sunday nights at 8:00 PM on Chicago's Lumpenradio, WLPN, 105.5 FM. The program is streamed live at http://lumpenradio.com/. Archived programs
Episodes
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Show: Labor Express for 9-27-2026 - Scott Houldieson runs for office and unions take on the AI industry.
This is the full 9-27-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Long-time friend of the program Scott Houldieson, leader in UAW Local 551 and the reform movement in the UAW, is running for State Senate in Indiana. Also, a new coalition in San Jose California, made up of unions and…
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Show: Labor Express for 9-13-2026 - Chicago nurses strike and thousands of hotel workers march.
This is the full 9-13-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Union nurses at Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital in Chicago go on a one-day strike and thousands of Chicago union hotel workers march through the streets of Chicago demanding a fair contract. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's...
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Show: Labor Express for 8-30-2026 - The aftermath of the derecho that impacted Gary, Indiana, brings echoes of Hurricane Katrina.
This is the full 8-30-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. The aftermath of an August 11th derecho that impacted Chicago’s majority-black working-class sister city, Gary, Indiana, brings echoes of Hurricane Katrina. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's oldest labor news and current…
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Show: Labor Express for 8-16-2026 - Plans for Labor Day 2026 in Chicago and Chicago’s Sustainable Community Schools program expands
This is the full 8-16-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Plans for Labor Day 2026 in Chicago and around the country. And, Chicago’s Sustainable Community Schools program expands. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's oldest labor news and current affairs radio program. News for working...
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Show: Labor Express for 8-2-2026 - AI’s impact on the workplace and how unions are fighting back - audio from the 2026 Labor Notes Conference.
This is the full 8-2-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. AI’s impact on the workplace and how unions are fighting back - audio from the 2026 Labor Notes Conference. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's oldest labor news and current affairs radio program. News for working people, by…
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Show: Labor Express for 7-12-2026 - Minimum wages increase in Chicago and immigrant workers lead the fight back against the boss and Trump
This is the full 7-12-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Check your Check! Minimum wages increased in Chicago and Cook County on July 1st. Also, immigrant workers lead the fight back against the boss and Trump’s agenda - more audio from Labor Notes 2026 Labor Express Radio is...
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Show: Labor Express for 6-21-2026 - Whiting BP Refinery workers locked out and Amazon workers at Labor Notes 2026
This is the full 6-21-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. BP oil refinery workers in Whiting, Indiana, members of the Steel Workers union, have been locked out for over 3 months. I talk with USW Local 7‑1 President Eric Schultz about the events leading up to the lockout, how his...
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Show: Labor Express for 6-7-2026 - Teamsters at UPS oppose cameras in trucks and AI’s impact on the working class.
This is the full 6-7-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. We take a look at the impact of AI (artificial intelligence) on workers. Teamsters members at UPS, raise concerns regarding the use of inward-facing cameras in UPS trucks on the health and safety of drivers as increasing…
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Show: Labor Express for 5-24-2026 - Labor Notes discusses taxing the rich and fighting AI, Hamilton Nolan discusses Union Now.
This is the full 5-24-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Labor Notes discusses taxing the rich and fighting AI in the workplace. Plus Jacob Morrison of The Valley Labor Report and labor journalist Hamilton Nolan discuss Union Now, a new fund for workers in organizing fights. Labor...
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Show: Labor Express for 4-26-2026 - Jeremy Brecher, Joseph McCartin, Stephen Lerner discuss how “Resisting Trumpism Can Revive the U.S. Labor Movement” & Plans for May Day in Chicago.
This is the full 4-26-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Labor historians Jeremy Brecher and Joseph McCartin, and labor organizer Stephen Lerner discuss how “Resisting Trumpism Can Revive the U.S. Labor Movement”. Plus, more details on plans for May Day in Chicago. Labor Express…
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Show: Labor Express for 4-12-2026 - Plans for May Day 2026 in Chicago
This is the full 4-12-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Plans for May Day 2026 in Chicago. This year’s May Day might not only be the largest since 2006, but maybe the most important since the first May Day in 1886. Hear what is planned, who is organizing it and how you can get...
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Show: Labor Express for 3-29-2026 - Moving from symbolic protests to direct action and May Day 2026, general strike?
This is the full 3-29-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. How do we move from symbolic protests like No Kings to direct action? Lessons from the Palestinian solidarity struggle. Also May Day 2026, plans for a general strike. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's oldest labor news and...
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Show: Labor Express for 3-15-2026 - Iranians discuss how Trump’s war on Iran is a war on the working class.
This is the full 3-15-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Shamal Ali, a leader within the Communist Party of Iran-Hekmatist, discusses how the U.S. and Israel’s imperialist war sets back the workers' movement in Iran and must be opposed by the working class world-wide. Professor…
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Show: Labor Express for 3-1-2026 - New Unite & Win Podcast interviews Jorge Mújica, and the idea of a general strike in the U.S.
This is the full 3-1-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. The new Unite & Win Podcast interviews Jorge Mújica of ARISE Chicago about immigrant worker organizing. Folks on the Work Stoppage Podcast discuss possibilities for a general strike in the U.S. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's...
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Show: Labor Express for 2-8-2026 - Mike Balonek, George Windau, and Scott Houldieson discuss new documentary, The Best Union Money Could Buy, and the idea of a general strike.
This is the full 2-8-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Starbucks workers call on customers to delete the Starbucks app from their phones. I discuss the new documentary The Best Union Money Could Buy with filmmaker, Mike Balonek, and two UAW members, George Windau, long time UAW...
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Show: Labor Express for 1-25-2026 - Minneapolis “general strike” of Jan. 23rd 2026 and Jackson Potter on Trump Admin. Harassment of the CTU
This is the full 1-25-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. We discuss the Minneapolis “general strike” of Jan. 23rd 2026 and Jackson Potter of the Chicago Teachers Union talks about the Trump administration's harassment of the union. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's oldest labor news...
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Show: Labor Express for 1-11-2026 - Chicago reacts to the invasion of Venezuela and the murder of Renee Nicole Good
This is the full 1-11-2026 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Chicago demands hands off Venezuela and justice for Renee Nicole Good. Plus, Chicagoans demand CPD stop cooperating with ICE! Labor Express Radio is Chicago's oldest labor news and current affairs radio program. News for…
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Show: Labor Express for 12-28-2025 - Discussion of Gaza post-“Ceasefire” including labor historian Jeff Schuhrke
This is the full 12-28-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Two excerpts from recent episodes of the Building Bridges: Your Community and Labor Report radio program in memory of the Dec. 12th passing of that show's co-host and friend of Labor Express, Ken Nash. The episodes examine…
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Show: Labor Express for 12-7-2025 - The resurgence of American unions and how organized labor can defend worker power under Trump 2.0.
This is the full 12-7-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Labor Notes asks, how unions can defend worker power under Trump 2.0.? Economic Policy Institute Labor strategist Dave Kamper discusses his new book entitled Who’s Got the Power: The Resurgence of American Unions. Labor…
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Show: Labor Express for 11-23-2025 - Starbucks workers on strike!
This is the full 11-23-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Starbucks workers are on strike at over 95 locations across the country. We look at the issues that led up to the strike. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's oldest labor news and current affairs radio program. News for working...
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Show: Labor Express for 11-9-2025 - CTU and SEIU call out Chicago corporations profiting of ICE and PERRO blocks dangerous demolitions
This is the full 11-9-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. CTU and SEIU call out Chicago corporations profiting of ICE terrorizing immigrant working-class communities. PERRO blocks dangerous demolitions of industrial sites in the Pilsen neighborhood. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's...
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Show: Labor Express for 10-19-2025 - No Kings Day 2.0 and Randi Weingarten, President of the AFT, discusses her new book
This is the full 10-19-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Report back from No Kings Day 2.0 and Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers, discusses her new book, Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy. Labor Express Radio…
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Show: Labor Express for 9-28-2025 - Day laborer Willian Giménez kidnapped by ICE, the CTU protests charter school closures and plans for No Kings Day 2.0
This is the full 9-28-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Day laborer Willian Giménez kidnapped by ICE, the Chicago Teachers Union protests more charter school closures and plans for No Kings Day 2.0 on Oct. 18th. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's oldest labor news and current affairs...
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Show: Labor Express for 9-14-2025 - Speeches and interviews from Labor 2025 in Chicago
This is the full 9-14-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Interviews and speeches from Labor Day 2025 in Chicago, including with members of Teamsters Local 705, on strike for three months at Mauser Packaging Solutions, in the La Villita neighborhood, who demand their employer agree…
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Show: Labor Express for 8-31-2025 - Jorge Mujica on Labor 2025 in Chicago and the life and music of Ed Pickford
This is the full 8-31-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. This Labor Day 2025 episode includes news and music. Jorge Mujica of ARISE Chicago Workers Center discusses plans for Labor Day 2025 in Chicago, as well as how unions are taking action to defend immigrant workers. English folk...
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Show: Labor Express for 8-17-2025 - Don Villar of the CFL and organizers from LA discuss Trump’s attacks on immigrant workers
This is the full 8-17-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Don Villar of the Chicago Federation of Labor discusses Chicago’s history as a leader in labor media and the current attacks on immigrant workers by the Trump administration. Also, organizers in the immigrant worker…
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Show: Labor Express for 7-27-2025 - Labor Notes on Unions fighting ICE and NDLON defends day laborers from Trump
This is the full 7-27-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. The Labor Notes podcast discusses combating ICE and Trump’s impact on the building trades. Leaders of the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) discuss Trump’s attacks on immigrant day laborers. Labor Express Radio…
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Show: Labor Express for 7-13-2025 - CTU fights school budget cuts and UE’s history of member-run unionism
This is the full 7-13-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. CTU plans for a rally on July 17th, demanding Gov. Priztker call a special session to deal with the school funding crisis. And Judy Ancel of the Heartland Labor Reform talks with Carl Rosen, General President of the United...
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Show: Labor Express for 6-29-2025 - SEIU’s Justice Journey caravan and Zohran Mamdani wins NYC’s Democratic mayoral primary
This is the full 6-29-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, SEIU holds a Justice Journey caravan through the deep South, culminating in Louisiana, which has become Trump’s preferred location for disappearing immigrants snatched up in ICE...
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Show: Labor Express for 6-29-2025 - SEIU’s Justice Journey caravan and Zohran Mamdani wins NYC’s Democratic mayoral primary
This is the full 6-29-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, SEIU holds a Justice Journey caravan through the deep South culminating in Louisiana, which has become Trump’s preferred location for disappearing immigrants snatched up in ICE…
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Show: Labor Express for 6-1-2025 - Tesla Takedown Saturdays and remembering the Memorial Day Massacre
This is the full 6-1-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, Tesla Takedown against oligarchy continues every Saturday at the Tesla dealership in downtown Chicago. And Labor Express Radio commemorates the 1937 Memorial Day Massacre. Labor...
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Show: Labor Express for 5-18-2025 - Building a working class resistance to authoritarianism and attacks on the Social Security Administration
This is the full 5-19-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, how do we build on the coalitions built for May Day 2025 to create a working-class resistance to Trump’s authoritarianism? And Social Security workers discuss Trump’s attacks on…
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Show: Labor Express for 4-27-2025 - Plans for May Day 2025 and Labor Notes Podcast
This is the full 4-27-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, plans for May Day 2025 in Chicago and Labor Notes now has their own podcast! Recent episodes cover tariffs, Trump’s attacks on immigrant workers and how organized labor is fighting...
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Show: Labor Express for 4-13-2025 - Jackson Potter on CTU TA and Omar Lopez on May Day 2025
This is the full 4-13-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, CTU members vote on a historic tentative agreement between the teachers’ union and Chicago Public Schools. CTU VP Jackson Potter discusses what was won in this TA. Omar Lopez of...
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Interview: Jackson Potter, CTU VP on Tenantive Agreement
Jackson Potter, Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union, discusses the tentative agreement between the union and Chicago Public Schools management. The outcome of the TA depends on the vote of the full membership this Thursday and Friday (April 10th and 11th). Potter argues that if ratified,...
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Show: Labor Express for 3-30-2025 - Chicago Firefighters hold rally with CTU, Federal workers launch “Let Us Work” campaign
This is the full 3-30-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, though the Chicago Teachers Union’s contract fight may be coming to a close, Chicago firefighters have been without a contract for four years! CTU and Chicago Firefighters Local 2...
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Show: Labor Express for 3-9-2025 - CTU delivers petitions to CPS and the 2025 Labor Oscars
This is the full 3-9-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, the Chicago Teachers Union delivers community petitions to CPS and calls on the board to address five outstanding issues in contract negotiations. Also, the 2025 Labor Oscars! Labor...
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Show: Labor Express for 2-23-2025 - March 4th day of action to defend public education, Natascha Uhlmann on protecting immigrant workers and Lori Wallach on tariffs
This is the full 2-23-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, teacher’s unions prepare for a national day of action to defend public education on March 4th. Also Natascha Uhlmann from LaborNotes on protecting immigrant workers and Lori…
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Show: Labor Express for 2-9-2025 - Alex Lawson of Social Security Works on Medicaid cuts
This is the full 2-9-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, Alex Lawson of Social Security Works talks about Republican plans to gut Medicaid and how we can fight the cuts. Also an update on CTU contract negotiations. Labor Express Radio is...
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Show: Labor Express for 1-26-2025 - Chicago teacher's strike coming? What the Trump Administration 2.0 will mean for working people
This is the full 1-26-2025 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. On the latest episode of Labor Express Radio, are Chicago teachers headed for a strike? And more coverage of what the Trump Administration 2.0 will mean for working people - a view post-inauguration. Labor Express Radio is...
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Show: Labor Express for 12-22-2024 - Jorge Mujica on resisting Trump’s planned mass deportations and voices from the Amazon picket lines
This is the full 12-22-2024 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Jorge Mujica of ARISE Chicago Workers Center discusses resisting Trump’s planned mass deportations. Also voices from the Amazon picket lines and info on the Starbucks nationwide strike. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's only...
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Show: Labor Express for 12-8-2024 - Jimmy Williams Jr., Mark Dimondstein, and Adolph Reed Jr. discuss the aftermath of the 2024 election
This is the full 12-8-2024 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Jimmy Williams Jr., President of the International Union of Painters, Mark Dimondstein, President of the American Postal Workers Union and professor Adolph Reed Jr. all discuss the aftermath of the 2024 election and what it...
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Show: Labor Express for 11-24-2024 - CTU ties contract fight to fight against Trump’s Project 2025, we also examine xenophobia and fascism post-Trump’s re-election
This is the full 11-24-2024 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Trump’s re-election will bring massive, sustained attacks on the working class, unions, and especially immigrant workers. The labor movement must begin now to build a fightback strategy. The Chicago Teachers Union leads the…
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Show: Labor Express for 10-27-2024 - Jackson Potter, CTU VP on teacher’s contract negotiations and school board elections, plus ACERO closures
This is the full 10-27-2024 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Jackson Potter, Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union, discusses contract negotiations, the CPS budget crisis, and the first-ever elections for the Chicago Board of Education. Plus, teachers and parents speak out on...
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Interview: Jackson Potter, CTU VP on teacher’s contract negotiations
Jackson Potter, Vice President of the Chicago Teachers Union, discusses contract negotiations, the CPS budget crisis, and the very first elections for the Chicago Board of Education.
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Show: Labor Express for 10-13-2024 - The ILA (Longshoremen) win their strike. UAW President Shawn Fain speaks to the CTU.
This is the full 10-13-2024 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. The ILA (The International Longshoremen's Association) wins their 3-day strike and a 62% wage increase! UAW President Shawn Fain speaks to the CTU (Chicago Teachers Union). Labor Express Radio is Chicago's only labor news and...
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Show: Labor Express for 9-22-2024 - Julian Electric workers organize, Jonas Čeika on fascism & middle classes
This is the full 9-22-2024 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. ARISE Chicago workers center helps Julian Electric workers in Lockport organize a union, Kiefer Dunn discusses adjuncts first contract fight at the Art Institute, Peter Hudis discusses Ukraine and Palestine, and Jonas Čeika...
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Show: Labor Express for 9-8-2024 - Les Leopold, author of Wall Street’s War on Workers: How Mass Layoffs and Greed Are Destroying the Working Class and What to Do About It
This is the full 9-8-2024 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. Les Leopold, Executive Director of the Labor Institute and author of a new book entitled Wall Street’s War on Workers: How Mass Layoffs and Greed Are Destroying the Working Class and What to Do About It, talks about how mass...
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Show: Labor Express for 8-25-2024 - the U.S. labor movement inside and outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) 2024.
This is the full 8-25-2024 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. The U.S. labor movement inside and outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) 2024. Labor Express Radio is Chicago's only labor news and current affairs radio program. News for working people, by working people. Labor...
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Show: Labor Express for 8-11-2024 - ALU joins Teamsters, Pizza Nova workers, SureBuilt workers, Colombian Demand Justice
This is the full 8-11-2024 episode of the Labor Express Radio program. ARISE Chicago Workers Center assists workers at Pizza Nova and SureBuilt Concrete Forms organize. The Amazon Labor Union (ALU) affiliates with the Teamsters. Colombian workers win a lawsuit against Chiquita Bananas for paying...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Labor Express Radio is Chicago's only English language labor news and current affairs radio program. “News for working people, by working people.” Our program covers issues in the labor movement locally, nationally, and internationally. The program also addresses issues of concern to working people such as housing, education, health care, immigrants rights, the environment and U.S. foreign policy, from a working class viewpoint. Labor Express Radio airs Sunday nights at 8:00 PM on Chicago's Lumpenradio, WLPN, 105.5 FM. The program is streamed live at http://lumpenradio.com/. Archived programs
HOSTED BY
Jerry Mead - Lucero
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Labor Express Radio have?
Labor Express Radio currently has 172 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Labor Express Radio about?
Labor Express Radio is Chicago's only English language labor news and current affairs radio program. “News for working people, by working people.” Our program covers issues in the labor movement locally, nationally, and internationally. The program also addresses issues of concern to working people...
How often does Labor Express Radio release new episodes?
Labor Express Radio publishes regularly with 172 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Labor Express Radio?
You can listen to Labor Express Radio on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Labor Express Radio?
Labor Express Radio is created and hosted by Jerry Mead - Lucero.
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