Blue Collar News

The conversation continues with Part 3 of our Unions & Data Centers series—featuring Dan Delbolt, Business Manager of IBEW Local 532 and Chairman of the Montana State Conference of Electrical Workers. As data center development accelerates across the country, the role of skilled union electricians has never been more critical. In this episode, Dan shares how IBEW Local 532 is helping meet the moment—delivering highly trained professionals, upholding the highest safety standards, and ensuring these complex projects are built to last.Tune in as we discuss:⚡ The growing demand for union electricians in data center construction🏗️ How apprenticeship and training programs are preparing the next generation🤝 The value of union partnerships in powering critical infrastructureDon’t miss Part 3 of this important series exploring the intersection of labor and the digital economy.🎧 Listen now!#IBEW #UnionStrong #DataCenters #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #Electricians

In this follow-up episode, we continue the conversation on the evolving relationship between data centers and organized labor, diving deeper into the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Riley McCauley of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters returns to share frontline insights on how unions are adapting to the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure across the country.Part two explores the realities of workforce development, the push for skilled labor in high-demand tech construction, and how unions are positioning themselves to ensure quality jobs in a sector often defined by speed and scale. Riley breaks down what responsible growth looks like, how partnerships between developers and labor groups can succeed, and why the future of data centers depends not just on technology—but on the people building it.Whether you’re in construction, tech, labor advocacy, or just curious about the forces behind the digital economy, this episode offers a grounded look at where things stand—and where they’re headed.

In this episode, the Montana AFL-CIO sits down with the president of LiUNA Local 1686 for a timely conversation on the intersection of organized labor and the rapid expansion of data centers. As demand for digital infrastructure grows, so does the need for a skilled, protected workforce to build and maintain it.Together, they explore what data center development means for Montana workers, how unions are working to secure good-paying jobs in this emerging sector, and why labor standards matter in shaping the future of tech-driven construction. The discussion also highlights the role of LiUNA in advocating for worker safety, training, and long-term career opportunities in a changing economic landscape.Whether you’re a union member, policymaker, or simply curious about how the digital economy impacts local labor, this episode offers valuable insight into the opportunities—and challenges—ahead.

Last week healthcare providers won an historic election in Montana. On this edition of the Blue Collar news, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small is joined by Dr. Stuart Bussey, president of the United Association of Physicians and Dentists, and organizer Alexandria Honey to highlight what's needs to be done to improve patient care and what doctors and providers in Kalispell are negotiating for.

Donnie Wetzel, Jr, is the Tribal Liaison for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and joined Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small in Helena to discuss his work engaging young people, coordinating and learning from tribal leaders, and the work being done to build strong communities and an empowered workforce. Topics covered in this edition of Blue Collar News include workforce development, apprenticeship opportunities in the trades, and the benefits of project labor agreements and prevailing wage laws. Wetzel is a member of the Blackfeet Nation and has over 20+ years of experience working with native communities.

As the longest government shutdown in history appears to be coming to an end, Montana Food Bank Network CEO Gayle Carlson joins us to discuss how food banks across our state are stepping up to fight food insecurity in Montana. If you would like to donate or volunteer visit MFBN.org for more information.

Throughout this shutdown federal workers in Montana are fighting for critical public services that ensure the health, safety, and well being of our communities. In this episode of Blue Collar News AFGE 4012 President Jordan Harwell, who represents Social Security workers in several western states, joins us from Butte, Montana.We're also joined by the Montana Nurses Association's Chief Executive Officer Vicky Byrd to discuss why we're seeing healthcare premium increases across the state and why it's so important to renew the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

UFCW Local 1889 joins Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small to discuss grocery story workers across our state, including recent bargaining wins for workers at Albertsons stores in Montana, how collective bargaining helps protect workers against AI and automation challenges, and why building power for working families is more important than ever.

For Montana skiers and boarders, Ski Patrol are a lifeline - they’re the ones who race out the door to help on people's worst days on the mountain, prevent avalanches inbounds, and keep us safe on the slopes.In this episode of the Blue Collar News, Jason sits down with Matthew Bagwill of the Whitefish Professional Ski Patrol Union, CWA Local 7781

In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small talks to smoke jumper and NFFE Local 60 Vice President Sam Forstag about the damaging cuts to federal workers and how these actions will impact fire season and access to our public lands in Montana.  

Our right to live, work, and retire with dignity is fundamental to who we are as Montanans. Out-of-state corporations have tried to profit off of Montana’s labor and resources for more than a century and “Right-to-Work” bills have been proposed for decades. But, why do we need to keep having these fights? And who benefits from “Right to work” legislation if it passes?So, this week we have something special for everyone. Over the next several weeks, we are going to be rallying once more against a proposed Right to work bill we expect to drop any day now. The following is part of a presentation on our rights in the workplace, the history of Montana’s Labor Movement over the last 100 years, and why we must continue to fight for our freedom to bargain for a fair deal. This is part of a presentation by Bob Brock, a longtime organizer in Montana with IBEW. 

In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Jason talks to firefighters with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) in Montana about public safety, public funding, and how important union rights are to protecting our communities. George Richards, President of the Montana State Council of Professional FirefightersCarter Marsh, President of IAFF Local 8 (Great Falls)Andy Zimmerman, IAFF Local 547 (Kalispell)

In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Jason talks unions and Colstrip with IBEW 1638 Business Manager Stacey Yates and local President Maria Crispin. 

In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Jason is joined by Robin Haux of the Montana Nurses Association to discuss the fight for safe staffing and better patient care in Montana.