We Rise Fighting - Labor Podcast

The 3,800 workers at the JBS Swift meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colorado are on strike for better wages, health care, and working conditions. They are members of the United Food & Commercial (UFCW) Workers Local 7. Ric attended the picket line today and is reporting back. He also shares his observations and experiences from being a union rep for the UFCW at that very plant 16 years ago. Bryan also shares info on upcoming events in Wisconsin where Ric will lead a research presentation on ICE and data centers. All that and tidbits of international news coverage.

Interview with Olivia Najera-Garcia, organizer with the Union of Southern Service Workers in North Carolina. 

WI Bailout the People is celebrating its 15 anniversary. This episode covers some of the organization's upcoming events.

Bryan reports back from Fond du Lac on the Worker & Community Assembly event that took place on January 31st, 2026. 

Bryan and Russell report back on their experiences and observations at the Minneapolis protests and general strike. 

Resistance against ICE in MinneapolisDr. Martin Luther King Jr. event in Detroit Upcoming Fond du Lac, WI labor/community event on January, 31, 2026Updates on Venezuela, Cuba, and PalestineNYC Nurses StrikeKaiser workers strike on the West Coast Starbucks workers update

Interview with:-Joanna Frasch, Vice President of AFSCME Local 1-Joanna Weir of Starbucks Workers United-Luis Velásquez, organizing director from Voces de la Frontera.

(00:00:00) E125: Starbucks Workers on Strike! Interview w/ Joanna Weir (00:00:27) Reflections after 125 episode (00:03:33) Why are Starbucks workers on strike? (00:04:36) Exactly what does a Starbucks worker do? (00:06:42) What are the issues at work? Why are workers on strike and organizing? (00:08:39) Community support (00:09:35) Where is bargaining at? (00:11:33) What can the community do to support? (00:12:55) How can people contribute to the strike fund? (00:13:25) Where are the strikes happening? (00:14:18) Do you have a background with unions? (00:15:10) How has the strike changed your consciousness? (00:18:01) Is there a grander vision? (00:19:10) Message to fellow workers and the community... Red Cup Rebellion!!! Starbucks workers have been on strike since Nov. 13th! In this episode we interview Starbucks worker Joanna Weir to learn what's happening on the ground, why workers are on strike, and where this is all going...

Zohran Mamdani elected mayor of New York CityUpdate on UAW Local 95 strike in Janesville, WIStarbucks Workers Vote for Strike Authorization Palestine / Somerville recolutionSNAP and health care benefitsVenezuela

An interview with members of the organization Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement.This is a basic overview of what the organization is about, its history, origin, activities, and political orientations/principles, 

News updates on:PalestineVenezuelaNo Kings protestsUAW Local 95 strikeUNITE HERE in Madison, WI, Italian general strikeThe strike of Kaiser Permanente workers on the west coast.

Tribute to Assata ShakurIncreased barbarism of Trump administrationCall for US National Strike on May 1 2026Italian general strike in solidarity with Palestine

Hyundai workers in the US SouthElon Musk (the goofinerss of being a trillionaire)Venezuela Hotel workers strike in TexasUAW 95 strikeWW Dairy Workers strikeWisconsin Voces de la FronteraChicago protestsNew Orleans statementLabor Day protests

(00:00:00) E119: Interview w/ Pathfinders Workers (00:00:27) UAW Local 95 Announcement (00:01:55) Introduction (00:05:35) What lead you to organize? (00:07:53) Response from management (00:09:36) Workplace conditions and effects on clients (00:10:40) Relationship with community (00:12:01) Follow on instagram (00:12:08) Rally on Aug 4 (00:13:23) Inspiration to unionize (00:15:35) Why OPEIU? (00:16:20) How many workers total? (00:17:58) How many locations? (00:18:17) Safe staffing saves lives (00:19:48) Pay scale (00:21:55) Who are the funders? (00:22:40) What stage of the campaign are you in? (00:23:19) What kind of help do you need? (00:23:55) What is your work like? (00:27:08) Message to the community Pathfinders is a non-profit organization based out of Milwaukee that serves the needs of people in crisis. The staff has been organizing with OPEIU. In this episode we interview Rachel, Megan, and Michael, to learn more about what's going on. 

AFGE & Veterans AffairsSanitation Workers Strike Against Republic ServicesPathfinder WorkersBoeing Workers Strike of 3,200UAW Local 95 StrikeLong Island Rail Road Workers Consider StrikeActions Against ICEResolution for Arms Embargo Against the Occupying Entity known as "Israel"

UAW Local 95 is on strike against Mercy East Clinic in Janesville, WI. In this interview UAW Local 95 Chairperson, Enrique Casiano, to learn about what's going on. Here is a link to donate to the strike fund:https://www.facebook.com/UawLocal95

-Update on UAW Locals 291 and 95 strikes in Wisconsin-Sanitation worker strikes in Boston, Philadelphia, Ohio, and California-Why is organized labor so quiet in the face of Trump austerity bill (aka the 'big beautiful bill')

(00:00:00) E115: What Direction for Today's Mass Rallies? (00:00:27) Intro to Episode (00:01:40) "Guillotine" (00:04:40) Ric offers context and kicks off discussion (00:13:02) Bryan's thoughts (00:19:43) What if we stopped calling people "immigrants"? (00:25:28) Labor History: why are we allowing this? (00:32:17) Ric: lessons from strikes that could guide our movements In this episode we ask the question: what direction for the mass protests taking place in the street today? In an attempt to answer this question, this espisode focuses on political theory, labor history, as well as the lessons we've learned from the strikes we've covered. 

-Statement by the Coaltiion of Black Trade Unionists-SEIU Nurses on Strike in Madison, WI

Today's episode:National Day of Action to Save Public Education Bernie/AOC ralliesUpdate on UAW 291 strikeWorld Federation of Trade Unions / May Day DeclarationFederal Unionists Network (FUN)10 National Unions call for anti-trump resistanceKentucky Unions fight deportation

Interview with UAW Local 291 president, Ryan Compton. Workers have been on strike for 3 weeks at Cummins corporation. Cummins is a producer of diesel engines and axles. 90 workers are currently on strike. We interview President Compton to learn about the strike and how the community can support the striking workers.

April 3rd, 2025 marks the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's famous speech "I've been to the mountaintop." He delivered this speech in Memphis, TN the night before his assassination. In this episode we play a segment from this speech and Bryan discusses Dr. King's legacy as far as his relation to unions and labor. We also talk about striking workers in Osh Kosch, WI and about the protests currently being organized by postal workers. 

Today was an uscripted discussion on politics, labor, and current events. We covered stuff like:-General/current state of social movements in the US-Palesine update-Bernie Sanders in Denver-Creativity of the Working Class-Postal Workers-Unions as a microcosm of what a better, democratic society could look like-Viper Armed / Jucuapa (i.e. Ric's album)

Bryan and Ric chop it up about Ric's recent visit to Wisconsin to do a presenation on how to research corporations. Ric also spoke at an event concerning the Black freedom struggle and Palestine.

-Solidarity with Palestine Report-Southern Workers Assembly Statement-Info on Corporate Research Presentation in Wisconsin (6pm, Feb 20th, Labor Temple, 1602 S. Park Street, Madison, WI)-Reflections on Wisconsin-Port Workers Strike Averted / Commentary on Teamsters strike-Oregon Health Care Workers on Strike

-Update on solidarity efforts with Palestine-United Auto Workers: strike at Strand bookstores and organizing at Newbury Comics-Teamsters/Amazon strike update-Starbucks workers strike update-Organizing at REI-Organizing in the US today-Protests against Trump-UNITE-HERE west coast Hotel Workers Strike ends

-Labor for Palestine solidarity w/ Teamster strike-Teamster strike at Amazon-Starbucks workers strike-Interview with JoAnna Frasch, Vice President of AFSCME Local 1 in Wisconin. We talk to JoAnna about Act 10 and other labor issues in Wisconsin. 

In this episode we speak to Michael Jones, president of Madison Teachers Inc. We talk about the recent reversal of Act 10 in Wisconsin. Act 10 is a piece of anti-labor legislation that was pushed by the-governor Scott Walker. The measure passed in 2011 and last week it was reversed. 

We interview Madeline Topf, co-president of the graduate workers union in Madison, Wisconsin. She speaks to us about Act 10 and its reversal last week. 

In this episode we speak with Heba Mohammad from Milwaukee for Palestine.We cover:-Milwaukee for Palestine-Speaking to an anti-war Trump supporter-Intersectionality and class struggle-Inspiring struggles in solidarity with Palestine-Arab countries and Palestine-Culture & Struggle-Boycott, Divesment, Sanctions Movement (BDS) campaign to Disarm Derco-General strikes in Palestine-Hope for the direction of the movement

Attacks on free speech of people in solidarity with Palestine at UC San FranciscoGearing up for a strike at Volkswagen, in GermanyUpdate on hotel workers strike, now entering its second month50,000 postal workers on strike in CanadaUnion teachers in Albany, Oregon demand resignation of school board membersLabor analysis

The Democratic Party suffered a colassal loss in the 2024 presidential elections. Kamala Harris conceded the election and left the stage with no Plan B for party supporters. So... what now? This episode is for people who are asking themselves that same quesion and are open to new ideas. Ideas that don't involve voting for the lesser of two evils every four years. Ideas taken from labor history in the late 1800s all the way through today. 

In this episode we talk to James C, a student activist in Milwaukee who recently pressed presidential candidate Kamala Harris on the issue of genocide while she campaigned at his university. James C. shares the experience at the event along with his thoughts on Zionism vs. Judaism, the 2024 electioms, socialism, and the cultural influences which helped shape his political understandings. 

In this special episode Bryan brings us some history and research from Wisconsin as it relates to the Bradley Foundation, Act 10, Project 2025 and more.

Solidarity w/ Palestine ReportEnd the War on Journalists (SAG-AFTRA Members for Ceasefire)Cori Bush calls for Arms Embargo against "Israel"Columbia University staff person and activist in solidarity with Palestine reaches agreement with universityUnited Electrical Workers (UE) victory against academic bossesUNITE-HERE hotel workers union expands strike with Omni Hotel walkouts in BostonUnited Auto Workers call for a mass strike on May 1, 2028Boeing strike updateCasa Bonita workers organizing in Denver

Solidarity efforts with PalesineAPWU (Post Workers Union) victoryMachinists on strike in MilwaukeeUnion Victory for teachers in Madison, WisconsinUniversity of Pittsburgh staff join United Steelworkers UnionDeep dive into the think tanks, 'researchers', and 'economists' who provide goofy soundbytes like: "the strike will cost the economy $5 billion per day..."

This week's episode offers update on the following:Solidarity struggles with PalestineThe looming ILA (port workers) strikeThe UNITE HERE hotel workers strikeThe Boeing strike entering its 2nd weekStarbucks workers struggle

Appeal from the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions on the occasion of a year of resistance to genocideActs of solidarity carried out by UAW Local 2325, Port Workers and Community for Palestine, and studentsUpdate on UNITE HERE’s rolling hotel strikesBoeing and Longshoreworkers strikes (and the "cost" of strikes)

Today's episode includes:-Solidarity with Palestine Report-UNITE HERE Hotel workers expand strike-CWA workers at AT&T go out on strike-Rideshare drivers action in Nashville, TN-Potential Internaional Longshoremen Association (ILA) strike on the East Coast-Detroit Marathon Refinery workers strike

Special episode with Ric Urrutia:Connect the dots and follow the money: how to research political contrbutions. In this episode we use the Federal Elections Commission website to follow campaign contributions that involve corporations, interest groups, unions and political candidates. More specifically, we use Lockheed Martin, AIPAC and the Teamsters union to navigate this information and present it in compelling ways. Questions this episode answers:What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?Where does a PAC get its money from?Who does a PAC give money to, how much, and when?What information can we find about CEOs?All that and more in this episode. Ric Urrutia is a labor researcher. He got his master's degree in Labor Studies at the University of Massachusetts and has been doing presentations on how to research infornation for social struggles since 2000. The main point of his research has been to 'find the jugulars' in corporations. The weak underbellies, the soft spots so workers can disrupt business/profits as usual. 

We interview Andrew from the Peoples Power Assembly in Baltimore. We discuss labor, solidarity with Palestine, what socialism is, the elections, Kamala Harris, and the Democratic National Convention.

Jesus Rodriguez Espinoza, an expert on international relations, Venezuelan politics and communications. He served for several years as Consul General of Venezuela in Chicago. Before that he was part of the foundational editorial team of Aporrea.org. He is founder and editor of the Venezuelan anti-imperialist news outlet – Orinoco Tribune (orinocotribune.org).

NJ Transit engineers strike averted for now as Biden takes emergency actionWorkers go on strike at five-star Paris hotel where IOC members are staying for OlympicsDr. Bernice Johnson ReagonLabor for Palestine reportsAmerican Association of Jurists Condemn US Interventionism in Venezuela’s Presidential ElectionsRic's thoughts on the 2024 elections

In this episode we chat with Gerry Scoppettuolo about the history of the Queer liberation movement. We touch on subjects like: the Stonewall Rebellion, Leslie Feinbeg, and some acts of international solidarity that have come out of the Queer liberation movement. 

In this episode: Ric interviews co-host Bryan from We Rise Fighting. Bryan speaks to us about the history of labor and unions in Wisconsin, Act 10 and the 2011 protests, the Bradley Foundation, the RNC national conference scheduled for July 15 - 18 in Milwaukee and ideas for moving forward. 

Interview with Madeline Gamsemer Topf, co-president of TAA Local 3220 in Wisconsin. Local 3220 represents graduate student workers. We cover the history of TAA, Act 10, what gets graduate student workers to organize, and much more. Here is the link to the TAA's resolution on Palestine. 

In this episode we have 3 labor and community activists sharing their experience, insight and perspective on the role of women in the a labor and other social movements:- Joanna Frasch, AFSCME Local 1, Wisconsin State Employees Union (WSEU) - Alejandra Lopez, President of the San Antonio Alliance of Teachers and School Personnel; and- Crystal Mello, an organizer from Appalachia (Southwest Virginia) engaged in building union and community alliances to fight pipelines and to redirect funds from jails to community needs.*This episode was originally recorded on April 28, 2024. 

White nationalist, anti-LGBTQ activity on the riseJudge halts Univ California academic workers’ strike, citing ‘damage to students’Matthew Eddy, Man Who Assaulted Black Superintendent at Baraboo, Wisconsin High School Graduation, Only Charged With Disorderly Conduct Mali financial workers union extends strike Some of AIPAC’s Biggest Donors Are Also Financing Attacks Against Labor RightsNigeria loses electricity and major airports close as unions seek higher wages amid record inflation UAW Rank-N-File for a Democratic Union StatementGEO Statement in solidarity with UAW 4811 Strike

Statements from:The Popular Front for the Liberation of PalestineNational Writers Union (with respect to Rafah)The Bronx Public Defenders Union (with respect to repression against protests in New YorkAlso, updates on the University of California strike in solidarity with encampments, protests, and Palestine. And a potential strike by Samsung workers in South Korea.

UAW 4811 on strike in solidarity with Palestine, University of Washington student workers on strikes, Starbucks Workers United update, JFK airport fueling workers and mechanics strike (Teamsters) avertted, and update on UNITE HERE Local 11 hotel workers strike in Los Angeles.