Riverside Rank & File

Nannette Plescencia, a seasoned Amazon employee and labor advocate, reveals the stark realities of working in Amazon warehouses during her discussion with Steve Matthews. She highlights issues such as constant surveillance, high levels of burnout, and the challenges of unionizing within one of the world's most influential corporations. Plescencia discusses the detrimental effects of Amazon's monitoring systems, including the concept of “time off task,” which penalizes workers for taking necessary breaks. She emphasizes the difficulty employees face in organizing for better conditions, noting the fragmented nature of Amazon’s workforce and the need for solidarity among unions. Ultimately, she argues that the fight for dignity, stability, and a voice in the workplace extends beyond Amazon, calling for collective action to support workers everywhere.Takeaways:Nannette Plescencia shares her experiences revealing the harsh working conditions at Amazon, emphasizing the constant surveillance workers face.The concept of 'time off task' highlights how Amazon monitors employee productivity, penalizing them for necessary breaks or downtime.Unionizing at Amazon is fraught with challenges, as workers encounter resistance from management and face disorganization within their facilities.Plescencia stresses the importance of workers having a voice, dignity, and stability in their jobs as fundamental rights that should be recognized.The discussion touches on the necessity for unions to collaborate and unify efforts in order to effectively challenge Amazon's practices and policies.Plescencia argues that without a union, workers remain vulnerable to arbitrary dismissal and lack any contractual protections regarding their employment.

Steve Matthews introduces a significant presentation titled "Resisting Trumpism Can Revive the US Labor Movement," emphasizing the pressing need for labor unions to confront the existential threat posed by Trumpism. He features two key contributors, Stephen Lerner, a seasoned labor organizer known for the Justice for Janitors campaign, and Joseph McCarten, a history educator with a focus on labor history. Together, they discuss strategies for revitalizing the labor movement by fostering community alliances and collective actions that challenge the power of billionaires and corporations. Lerner and McCarten highlight the importance of direct action and civil disobedience in building a robust resistance against authoritarian influences, asserting that such movements have historically led to significant advancements in workers' rights. The episode not only explores the current labor landscape but also calls for a reevaluation of tactics to ensure a stronger, more unified front against the threats to democracy.Takeaways:The podcast emphasizes the need for labor unions to engage in disruptive collective action to effectively challenge authoritarianism and corporate power.Stephen Lerner discusses the historical importance of union campaigns like 'Justice for Janitors' and their role in unionizing thousands across the U.S.Joseph McCarten highlights the necessity of reviving the labor movement through increased willingness to engage in strikes and direct actions.The speakers argue that the labor movement must expand its focus beyond traditional negotiations to include broader social issues affecting workers and communities.The podcast underscores the importance of building alliances between labor unions and community organizations to combat the threats posed by Trumpism.Companies mentioned in this episode:SEIUTeslaPalantirNational Nurses UnitedWells FargoBlackstone

The recent strike involving over 30,000 nurses, which concluded on February 26th, serves as a pivotal example of the power of collective action in the healthcare sector. Liz Marlow, a seasoned registered nurse and union member, elucidates the critical role of strong strike action in compelling management to return to negotiations, particularly in the face of regressive bargaining tactics that violate labor law. The outcomes of this strike were not solely financial, with a notable 21% increase in pay achieved, but also instrumental in rejuvenating the spirit of activism among nurses and reinforcing the essence of union solidarity. This conversation encapsulates valuable insights into the necessity of educating union members to empower them as advocates and leaders, ensuring a steadfast commitment to patient care. As we delve into this discourse, we underscore the importance of unifying efforts across various organizations to advance both patient and worker advocacy in the evolving landscape of healthcare.Key Takeaways:The nurses' strike ended on February 26th due to regressive bargaining tactics by Kaiser, underscoring the importance of strong strike action to bring management back to negotiations.Regressive bargaining involves management proposing worse terms than the previous offer, which is a violation of labor law and demonstrates bad faith negotiation.The strike not only achieved financial gains—like a 21% pay increase—but also reignited activist energy among nurses and highlighted the necessity of union solidarity.Union stewards and boots-on-the-ground advocates are crucial for enforcing contract terms and maintaining ongoing support for patient care beyond contract negotiations.The strike fostered stronger relationships among unions like NISNA and other collective organizations, creating a unified front for patient and worker advocacy.Nurses emphasize that patient care is the core reason they entered the profession, and maintaining this focus guides their activism and bargaining efforts.The experience highlighted the importance of educating union members to empower them to be effective advocates and future leaders.Building a strong union, exemplified by UNAC's growth from less than 200 nurses to over 30,000, amplifies the voice of nurses nationally and enhances their capacity to influence policy and workplace conditions.Resources & Links:United Nurses Associations of California (UNEC/UNAC)NISNA (New York State Nurses Association)Amazon - Book: "The Fight for Healthcare" by Nora McKee (sample resource to deepen understanding of healthcare activism)Connect with Liz Marlow:UNAC on FacebookUNAC Twitter

In this episode of the United America Network’s labor-focused podcast, guest Randy Korgan, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 1932, joins the conversation to discuss the future of union labor and the growing power of working people across the Inland Empire and beyond. Korgan highlights how labor organizing is reshaping public sector and logistics industries, and why workers are increasingly demanding leaders who are willing to take real action—not just offer promises.The discussion explores the collapse of trust in traditional political institutions, the rise of worker-led organizing, and the importance of collective bargaining as a foundation for economic fairness. Korgan emphasizes that unions succeed when members are actively engaged and when leadership prioritizes fighting corporate exploitation.From warehouse workers to public employees, this episode reveals how solidarity, education, and organizing are driving real-world results—and why labor power is becoming central to political and economic change in America today.8 TakeawaysWorkers increasingly prioritize leaders who actively fight for them, not just make promisesBoth major political parties are seen as drifting away from working-class prioritiesUnion organizing is driving measurable gains in wages, rights, and workplace conditionsTrust is central—workers will disengage if leaders fail to follow throughCollective bargaining is framed as essential to protecting First Amendment workplace rightsCorporate power is described as increasingly dominant in shaping labor conditionsWorker-led organizing is growing across public sector and logistics industriesReal change comes from participation, not passive observation or complaint

Two candidates for California’s 47th Assembly District share their visions for working families, unions, and economic fairness. Jason Byors and Leila Namvar join Steve Matthews on Riverside Rank & File to discuss their personal journeys, deep ties to organized labor, and plans to address affordability, wages, and income inequality. Both candidates emphasize the importance of unions in strengthening the middle class and protecting workers’ rights. They also tackle major issues facing the district, including rising costs of living, access to healthcare, and the growing impact of automation and artificial intelligence on jobs. The conversation highlights their differing perspectives but shared commitment to representing Riverside County’s labor force. With a focus on rebuilding trust between workers and political leadership, this episode explores how policy, advocacy, and grassroots engagement can shape the future of working families in California’s Inland Empire. A must-listen for union members, workers, and engaged voters.Takeaways:Both candidates prioritize affordability and cost-of-living solutionsStrong union backgrounds shape their policy approachesIncome inequality remains a central economic concernAutomation and AI pose major future workforce challengesMessaging is key to reconnecting with working-class votersGrassroots organizing plays a vital role in campaignsHealthcare and housing affordability are urgent issuesLabor unions remain essential to worker protections#RiversideRankAndFilePodcast #SteveMatthews #UnitedAmericaNetwork #OrganizedLabor #RiversideCountyLabor #LaborUnion #JasonByors #LeilaNamvar #CaiforniaAssembly #AD47 #ShowTopic #WorkingFamilies #UnionStrong #LaborRights #InlandEmpire #EconomicJustice #AffordableLiving #AIandJobs #GrassrootsCampaign #PublicPolicy

Antoinette McDaniel | Building Stronger Unions Through Member EmpowermentVeteran labor advocate Antoinette McDaniel joins “Riverside Rank and File” host Steve Matthews for a conversation about what it takes to build stronger, more effective unions. With more than two decades of experience in labor and community activism, McDaniel shares her journey from once being skeptical of unions to becoming a passionate advocate for worker empowerment. Now serving as a business representative with AFSCME District Council 36, she works with locals representing public sector employees across Southern California. She explains how union representatives support locals through contract negotiations, grievance processes, and member education while ensuring that unions remain. She reflects on the vital connection between labor rights and civil rights, emphasizing that strong unions benefit entire communities. The discussion highlights the power of listening to workers, developing new leaders, and encouraging members to become active participants in their unions to create lasting change.Takeaways:Strong unions depend on active, engaged members.Union representatives serve as resources for local union leadership.Training members strengthens internal union democracy.Collective bargaining requires preparation, research, and unity.Listening to workers’ concerns is essential for effective leadership.Labor rights and civil rights are closely connected.Member involvement can transform struggling unions.Empowered workers create stronger communities.

In this powerful episode of Riverside Rank & File hosted by Steve Matthews, Amalia De Aztlan shares the remarkable story of her journey from migrant farmworker to lifelong advocate for labor rights and social justice. Arriving in the United States at age 10, Amalia worked in the fields alongside her family under harsh conditions, experiencing firsthand the struggles faced by farmworkers. At just 17, she became president of a farmworker strike committee during the United Farm Workers movement, working alongside influential leaders like Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez while building solidarity between Mexican and Filipino farmworkers. Amalia recounts the challenges of organizing workers, confronting dangerous pesticide exposure, and speaking publicly for the first time to union leaders in Canada. Her story continues beyond the fields as she returns to education, becomes a teacher, and dedicates her life to advocacy, political engagement, and community leadership. This episode highlights courage, dignity, and the enduring fight for workers’ rights.Takeaways:Amalia De Aztlan began working as a farmworker at age 10 after immigrating to the United States.Her family lived as migrant workers, traveling throughout California for seasonal crops.At just 17, she was chosen as president of a farmworker strike committee.The United Farm Workers movement united Mexican and Filipino farmworkers in organizing efforts.Farmworkers faced dangerous conditions including pesticide exposure, extreme heat, and lack of sanitation.Mentorship from Dolores Huerta played a major role in shaping Amalia’s advocacy journey.Amalia later returned to school, earning degrees and becoming a teacher.She continues advocating for workers, civil rights, and community leadership through political engagement.#RiversideRankAndFilePodcast #SteveMatthews #UnitedAmericaNetwork #OrganizedLabor #RiversideCountyLabor #LaborUnion #AmaliaDeAztlan #FarmworkerRights #UnitedFarmWorkers #DoloresHuerta #CesarChavez #LaborHistory #WorkerJustice #MigrantWorkers #SocialJustice #CivilRights #WomenInLabor #LaborActivism #AmaliaDeAztlan

A frontline cardiac registered nurse from Kaiser Permanente joins the conversation on this week’s episode of Riverside Rank & File with Steve Matthews to discuss one of the largest healthcare labor disputes in the nation. Representing more than 30,000 unionized healthcare professionals, Liz Marlow explains why nurses across multiple California counties are on strike and what’s truly at stake. Contrary to claims that the dispute is about wages, she emphasizes the fight is centered on patient safety, safe staffing levels, and preserving quality care. Drawing from 16 years of nursing experience, she shares firsthand concerns about growing wait times, overwhelmed hospitals, and the moral responsibility nurses feel toward their patients. The discussion also highlights how the public can support striking healthcare workers—by sharing patient stories, contacting elected leaders, and standing in solidarity. This episode underscores the critical role nurses play in safeguarding lives and why this labor action could shape the future of patient care nationwide.Takeaways:Over 30,000 UNAC healthcare workers are participating in the strike.Nurses say the dispute is about patient care—not pay.Safe nurse-to-patient ratios are proven to save lives.Hospitals are experiencing long wait times and overcrowding.Nurses report a shift from patient-centered care toward profits.The strike involves workers across multiple California counties.Public support and political pressure are viewed as critical.Nurses say they remain committed to protecting patients first.#RiversideRankAndFilePodcast #SteveMatthews #UnitedAmericaNetwork #OrganizedLabor #RiversideCountyLabor #LaborUnion #LizMarlow #UNAC #NursesStrike #PatientCare #HealthcareWorkers #SafeStaffing #UnionStrong #HealthcareCrisis #StandWithNurses #WorkerSolidarity #HospitalStaffing #PatientSafety #HealthcareAdvocacy #UnionVoices

In this first episode, Steve Matthews talks with Robert Foster, an accomplished lecturer. He's the elected vice president of the prestigious Lincoln Group of Boston, and has a 20-year history as a union steward at the Riverworks GE plant in Lynn, Massachusetts. Foster is also the author of Blue Is Just a Word.#RankAndFilePodcast #SteveMatthews #Unions #Labor #CollectiveBargaining #RobertFoster #LincolnGroupBoston #BlueIsJustAWord #GeneralElectric #LynnMassachusetts #Lecturer #Author #LynnShoesStrike #UnitedAmericaNetwork #RiversideCounty