The Workers' Mic

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Phil Davidson kick off the show by talking about Phil participating in Hike for Hope, which raises awareness for mental health and suicide prevention for people working in the trades. Then, Ken and Phil discuss the Faster Labor Contract ACT and why it’s going to be a […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson spend the entire show discussing the latest union related news pertaining to ride-share workers, the National Labor Relations Board and the Faster Labor Relations ACT, worker safety, the Bears getting approved to potentially go to Hammond and more.

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by talking about Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, which addresses challenges posed by AI and the importance of the worker. Then, Ed and Phil discuss Samsung chip workers receiving $340,000 bonuses ahead of a scheduled strike, American Library Association’s successful […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Ed Maher spend the entire show discussing the latest union related news pertaining to the growth of the National Coalition of Labor, Long Island Railroad, REI Co‑op engaging in ongoing bargaining, the Workplace Policy Institute, house keepers in New York fight for higher wages, Fast Labor […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by discussing the latest union related news pertaining to flight attendants, Waymo, A.I. renovation, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and more. Then, the guys welcome the Senior Director at the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Rocky Kloth on the show to talk about the […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson spend the entire show discussing the latest union related news pertaining to the recent uptick in gas prices, the three-day strike by unionized Brookfield Zoo Chicago employees that ended with a tentative four-year agreement, Chipotle, A.I. and more.

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Phil Davidson kick off the show by sharing their condolences for Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew who was shot and killed at Swedish Hospital Saturday, April 25th and to inform listeners how they can get involved with the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. Then, Ken and Phil are […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ed Maher and special guest host Secretary-Treasurer/Principal Officer and Business Agent for Teamsters Local 301 Mike Haffner kick off the show by chatting about Local 301 and how they got involved with the National Coalition of Labor. Then, Ed and Mike are joined by Stu Clark, the Chief Executive Officer […]

Megent Financial’s Chief Operating Officer for Megent Financial Dave Mallett joins Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson on The Workers’ Mic to stress the importance of having a financial advisor and to share details surrounding their newly offered annuity with the NCL called Union Strength Annuity.

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by chatting with the Chief Operating Officer for Megent Financial Dave Mallett about the importance of having a financial advisor and to share details surrounding their newly offered annuity called Union Strength Annuity. Then, the guys are joined with the President […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by discussing whether or not TSA should be privatized. Then, the guys are joined with the Director of the Illinois Department of Labor Jane Flanagan and John Jarger, Director of Operations for the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council who join the show […]

On this Easter Sunday edition of The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Phil Davidson joins live while stuck in Kansas City alongside his wife and the Director or Media Relations for the Illinois Education Association Bridget Shanahan. They kick off the show by chatting about TSA and how TSA union leaders are reporting that workers, as […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Ed Maher kick off the show by sharing another story for their new weekly ‘Barely Legal‘ segment. This week’s story pertains to the NLRB’s Cemex decision. Then, Ken and Ed welcome to the show John Warner, President of the IBEW Local 146, to talk about the creation […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by sharing their sadness for the loss of the iconic action star Chuck Norris earlier this week. The guys also discuss the latest union news pertaining to Cesar Chavez facing sexual abuse accusations, the BP lockout, National Football League referees potentially […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by talking about the success of this year’s Working Families Archer Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Next, the guys are joined by Brian Andersen, Business Manager at IBEW Local Union 601, to share details surrounding a private project happening on the University […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Ed Maher  kick off the show by talking about Kristi Noem being relieved of her role as United States Secretary of Homeland Security. Then the guys share some light-hearted labor news from the week. To wrap up the show, Ken and Ed talk about the latest jobs report and […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Phil Davidson kick off the show by talking about the negative comment President Trump made to the Olympic gold-winning U.S. men’s hockey team after their big win. Then, Casey Martin, President of the Midwest Coalition of Labor Credit Union joins the show to share details surrounding a new balance […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by discussing the recent news that came out on Friday pertaining to the Supreme Court striking down tariffs and how this news effects union workers. The guys also share some good news for labor. Then, to close out the show, Chris […]

UnitedHealthcare‘s Chief Growth Officer of Labor and Trust Steven Sadlon joins Ken and Ed on The Workers’ Mic to discuss the current cost of health insurance and how UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to providing a variety of custom solutions built to make accessing care and saving money a whole lot easier.

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by chatting with the President of the Rockford Education Association (REA) Claudia Marshall. Listen in while Claudia shares details pertaining to the almost year-long negotiation between The Rockford Education Association and Rockford Public Schools District 205 that has finally […]

Megent Financial’s Co-Chief Executive Officer Ron Whittingham joins Ken Edwards and Ed Maher on The Workers’ Mic to stress the importance of having a financial advisor even when having a pension. Ron also remind listeners that the time to start saving was yesterday and shares some tips on how you can start saving.

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Ed Maher kick off the show by chatting with Megent Financials’ Co-Chief Executive Officer Ron Whittingham. Listen in while Ron stresses the importance of having a financial advisor even when having a pension. Ron also remind listeners that the time to start saving was yesterday and shares some tips on how […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show discussing the news coming out of Minneapolis. Then, Ed and Phil also discuss the latest union related news specifically pertaining to the world of sports. Listen in while the guys cover Bears stadium news, the NFL Player’s Association and more.

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Phil Davidson kick off the show by talking about how Illinois Uber/Lyft drivers might have the chance to organize. Then, the guys are joined by Maeg (“Meg”) Yosef, the mobilization coordinator at The Labor Force, to discuss what The Labor Force is and and how they contribute […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show with some Chicago Bears hype for tonight’s big game against the LA Rams. Then, the guys are joined by Butch Sikora Jr., Assistant Safety Director for the Mid-America Carpenter’s Union. Listen in while Butch stresses the importance of suicide awareness and […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by talking about the ski patrol scabs we were seeing before the Telluride ski patrol strike came to an end and the latest news surrounding The National Labor Relations Board. Then, the guys are joined by the President of The Mereopolitan Alliance […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show reflecting on what happened to workers throughout 2025 and share what they look forward to in 2026. Then, the guys discuss the latest union related news pertaining to UPS, the OEIU, Alphabet Workers Union, Google and more!

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson open the show looking for a legal correspondent to join their show from time to time in 2026. Then, the guys reflect on 2025 and share some of their favorite conversations from throughout the year. If you would like to email Ken, Ed and Phil, […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson spend the entire show discussing the latest union related news pertaining to Local 58 Rep Rob Piane for working with the Trade Collective to bring 4 Evanston residents into the Carpenter’s Union, New York AG suing UPS over ‘wage theft’, natural gas production, ICE raiding […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by discussing the STL Building Trades Wellness Coalition and the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, substance misuse, and suicide crisis. Then, the guys are joined by Harold Phillips and Chris Garlock from the Labor Radio Podcast Network to talk about […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Ed Maher kick off the show by reminding NCL memebers that open enrollment for their life insurance and short term disability is now in full swing. Then, the Ken and Ed discuss the latest union related news pertaining to the WNBA player negotiations, Only Fans, Florida’s anti-worker laws, […]

On this Thanksgiving weekend edition of the The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by sharing what they are thankful for. Then, the guys discuss some of the top latest union-related news stories. Next, the guys are joined by the Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. Listen in while Mike shares details about […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by discussing recent updates with the Starbucks strike and details surrounding the latest discharge petition. Then, the guys are joined by Starkey Chief Hearing Health Officer Dr. Dave Fabry to share the importance of prioritizing your hearing health while working in the trades and what […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by sharing details involved in the labor deal that was signed ending the 101-day-long strike for Boeing workers. Then Ed and Phil do a deep dive on bills that are supported by Americans for Prosperity and the National Right to Work Foundation. […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Ed Maher kick off the show by discussing how layoffs across the U.S. are at their highest since the Great Recession. Then, Local 150’s Financial Secretary David Fagan joins the guys to discuss the importance of organizing and how the majority of the workforce in Michigan City, Indiana right […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Phil Davidson kick off the show by discussing how Illinois lawmakers passed a $1.5 billion funding bill for local transit that saved the CTA from layoffs. Then, the guys discuss the latest union related news pertaining to Starbucks’ labor revolution documentary, IUOE Local 150‘s ‘Scabby the Rat’ being threatened […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by discussing the details surrounding the White House having non-union construction done. Then Ed and Phil are joined by the President at Kocher Insurance Group, Inc. Karl Kocher to talk about what Kocher Insurance can do for you, why life insurance is important, the types […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by celebrating the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2‘s new contract. Listen in while the President of the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, Patrick Cleary talks about this 4-year contract negotiation and breakdown the contract details. Then the guys are joined by Colin Smalley, President […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by breaking down details pertaining to the federal employees who have been furloughed during the recent government shutdown. Then the guys also discuss the latest union related news pertaining to the IFPTE, Linda McMahon, Crystal Carey being nominated as General Counsel of […]

Ben Miller, the Chief Revenue Officer at Premise Health, is on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, this week to discuss what Premise offers to NCL memebers, and its great benefits for you and your family.

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by chatting with Ben Miller, the Chief Revenue Officer at Premise Health. Listen in while Ben discusses what Premise offers to NCL members, and its great benefits for you and your family. Then, the guys discuss some of the latest union […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson spend the entire show discussing the latest union related news surrounding the recent government budget shutdown, a Wisconsin bill that repeals the state’s right-to-work law, Harvard University, ICE and more.

Danielle Burton, Investment Executive with Megent Financial, joins the show to discuss the importance of big picture planning when it comes to retirement and financial decisions.

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by chatting with the Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs. Listen in while Mike talks about unclaimed property, Bright Start 529 and more. Then, the guys are joined by Danielle Burton, Investment Executive with Megent Financial, who joined to talk about the importance […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Ed Maher kick off the show by acknowledging the assasination of the co-founder of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk. Then, Ken and Ed share part of their interview with the Police Benevolent Protective Association Labor Committee’s Executive Director David Amerson who joined them earlier in the […]

The Police Benevolent Protective Association Labor Committee’s Executive Director David Amerson joins Ken Edwards and Ed Maher on The Workers’ Mic to share his views on the National Guard coming to Chicago as it relates to police unions and his members.

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher and Phil Davidson kick off the show by chatting with the President of the Illinois AFL-CIO, Tim Drea about the Workers Rights Safety Act and how A.I. has effected workers in Illinois. Then, the guys are joined by memebers of IBEW Local 197; Business Manager Mike Raikes, Training Director Les Parker […]

This week on the Labor Day edition of The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Phil Davidson kick off the show by reminding building trade workers of the importance of wearing sunscreen. Then the guys discuss the latest union related news pertaining to the “Workers Over Billionaires” protests, Disney, the meaning of Labor Day, and more. To close out […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards, Ed Maher, and Phil Davidson kick off the show by sharing some good news for members of the coalition. Then the guys also discuss the latest union related news pertaining to the Air Canada Strike, Oklahoma’s ‘America First Test’ requirement for teachers coming from New York and California, ‘Burger King mom,’ […]

This week on The Workers’ Mic, Powered by the NCL, Ken Edwards and Ed Maher kick off the show by chatting with the President of the Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2, Patrick Cleary about where they are at in their 4-year contact negotiation. Then, the guys shared their thoughts about an interview conducted by Bridget Davidson (Yes, Phil’s wife) who chatted […]