The Leslie Marshall Show

In this episode, Leslie speaks with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond about a Supreme Court ruling the labor movement is calling a dangerous setback for voting rights and working people.Fred explains why the AFL-CIO sees the decision as part of a broader effort to weaken the political power of working Americans—especially Black, Latino, and Native communities—and how attacks on voting rights are deeply connected to issues like wages, workplace protections, union strength, and economic fairness.The conversation also explores the historic connection between the labor movement and the civil rights movement, why many Americans feel democracy is becoming less responsive to ordinary people, and what organized labor plans to do next in response.It’s a powerful discussion about democracy, representation, and why the fight for voting rights remains central to the fight for workers’ rights.The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO. Fred's handle on X is @STRedmond.(Image Credit: USA Today)

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Carlos Calzadilla-Palacio, founder of the Disrupt political PAC, about a potential shift in the youth vote and what it could mean for upcoming elections.Carlos argues that many young voters who supported Donald Trump in 2024 are beginning to rethink that decision, pointing to broken promises on issues like student debt, the economy, and foreign policy.He explains how those policy changes are affecting young Americans in real, everyday ways—and why frustration may be turning into political movement.But as Carlos emphasizes, changing opinions isn’t enough. The real challenge is turning that energy into action at the ballot box. He outlines how Disrupt is organizing on college campuses across the country, working to register and mobilize young voters during a key midterm cycle that will take place while many students are on campus.The conversation highlights both the risks and the opportunity ahead—and why the youth vote could play a decisive role in shaping what comes next.Disrupt is a youth-led political movement dedicated to freedom, affordability, and ending corporate control.Their website is www.DisruptPAC.org. Carlos' handle on X is @Carlos_Calz07.

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Andy Ferris, a longtime animal care specialist at Brookfield Zoo and a member of the Teamsters 727 bargaining committee, about an ongoing labor dispute that could lead to a strike.Andy shares what’s happening behind the scenes as workers negotiate with the Chicago Zoological Society over staffing levels, safety concerns, wages, and health care. Despite decades of service, many workers are being asked to accept minimal raises while facing rising costs—and potential cuts to long-standing health benefits.For example, workers were offered less than 4% raises, while the CEO's compensation increased by over 70%! The conversation also addresses one of the public’s biggest concerns: the well-being of the animals. Andy explains how workers have contingency plans in place to ensure animals are cared for, while also raising concerns about existing staffing shortages that could already be impacting safety.Finally, the discussion pushes back on claims from management that higher wages would drive up ticket prices, highlighting broader questions about priorities, cost of living, and how institutions value the people who keep them running.It’s a candid look at a high-stakes labor fight—one that impacts workers, families, and the animals they care for every day.For more than 100 years, Teamsters Local 727 has represented the hardworking men and women of the Greater Chicago area.They currently represent nearly 10,000 members across a multitude of industries, from bus drivers to trade show workers, pharmacists to zookeepers, funeral directors to parking industry workers. Their top priority is serving the needs of their members, and they firmly believe that a united union is a strong union.Their website is www.TeamstersLocal727.org and their handle on X is @Teamsters727.

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Sarah Jones, Editor-in-Chief for PoliticusUSA.  First, in the wake of the assassination attempt on the President this past weekend, Brad and Sarah discuss political violence in the age of Trump.Next, they analyze new polling showing that 70% of Americans want the Iran war to end ASAP.Lastly, they talk about the prospects for the Democratic party in the congressional midterms, and the curious case of John Fetterman.Then, Brad is joined by world renowned economist, Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon.The pair breaks down the status of the economy, including the impact of the Iran war and AI.Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.'You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon.His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.