Podcasts

Recognizing Silent Heroes: The Vital Role of Caregivers

November 18th, 2024.

In this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, we shared a cafecito with Veronica Segovia Bedon, program manager director of Family Caregiver at AARP to discuss the vital role caregivers play in our families and the unique challenges they face every day. We also explore the importance of recognizing and identifying yourself as a caregiver, a first step in accessing the support and resources you deserve.

Listen now and join the conversation about how we can uplift and empower caregivers in our community!

Proyecto 2025 una Amenaza para la Comunidad Latina

October 18th, 2024.

Acompáñenos en este nuevo episodio de El Cafecito del Día en el que compartimos una conversación con Vanessa Cárdenas, directora de America's Voice. Hablamos sobre el impacto negativo que podría tener en las familias latinas la implementación de las propuestas del Proyecto 2025, la promesa conservadora y cómo estas políticas representan una amenaza para la Comunidad Latina. 

Latina Equal Pay Day

October 3rd, 2024.

No se pierda este nuevo episodio de El Cafecito del Día. Compartimos información crítica sobre cómo la brecha salarial que afecta a las trabajadoras latinas, también impacta de forma negativa a sus familias y sus comunidades. Acompáñenos!

Diving into the New GMU LCLAA Student Alliance

September 23rd, 2024.

In this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, we dive into the launch of the new GMU LCLAA Student Alliance. Join us for an insightful conversation with Lucas Cedeño Villegas, president, and Gabriel Cesar Muñoz, Vice President of the alliance, as we discuss how students can become members and get active on their campuses. Don’t miss out on learning how this movement is empowering students to advocate for their rights and build stronger communities. Tune in now!

Welcoming the new Twin Cities and Rocky Mountain Chapter

September 9th, 2024.

In this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, we dive into the exciting Twin Cities and Rocky Mountain Chapters launch. Grecia Palomar and Tiffany Roman, new chapter presidents shared their goals and how each chapter will make a lasting impact in the Latino communities in both cities. 

Union Organizing at Amazon

August 1st, 2024.

Welcome to a new episode of El Cafecito del Día! In today's episode, we explore the journey and the challenges faced by workers who created the Amazon Labor Union (ALU). Join us as we uncover the power of solidarity and the impact of collective action in the workplace, while they achieve the fight for better working conditions and fair treatment and become an inspiration for the documentary Union.  

Concerts For Democracy

July 11th, 2024.

Dive into our latest episode of El Cafecito del Día where we explore the power of Concerts for Democracy and the vital role music and art play in promoting civic participation among Latinos in the country. We shared this Cafecito with Eljuri, a great singer, songwriter, and artist committed to defending and promoting Latino rights. 

The Women’s Bureau and Las Trabajadoras

June 27th, 2024.

In this new episode of El Cafecito del Día, we sit down with Delia García, one of the two Latinas, serving as Regional Administrator of the Women's Bureau to discuss vital protections for Latina workers.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation on rights, challenges, and progress!

Trabajadores Agrícolas en Peligro de Muerte, en North Carolina

June 13th, 2024.

En este nuevo episodio del Cafecito del Día, hablamos con trabajadores agrícolas de North Carolina, de la organización El Futuro es Nuestro, sobre las muertes de trabajadores en este estado y cómo estas tragedias afectan la vida de las familias inmigrantes. Acompáñenos!

Standing together in fighting for Workers: Evelyn DeJesus’ CBTU speech

May 28th, 2024.

On May 23, LCLAA's National President, Evelyn DeJesus, participated as one of the keynote speakers, at the CBTU 53rd International Convention held in Houston, Texas. During her powerful speech, LCLAA's President called for unity and solidarity among Latino, Brown, and Afro-American workers to defend as brothers and sisters, all worker's rights. We share this Cafecito del Día as a special episode. Acompañénos!

Olas de calor e Injusticias: Las Amenazas de los Farmer Workers

May 20th, 2024.

Acompáñenos en este nuevo Cafecito del Día. Hablamos con Marta Gabriel, farmer worker y miembro de la organización We Count, sobre los riesgos que enfrentan los trabajadores agrícolas y la incertidumbre que sufren con la llegada de la época calurosa, que les causa afectaciones a su salud y que puede provocarles la muerte. Además, hablamos sobre las condiciones laborales injustas a las que están expuestos los farmer workers en el país. 

Safety at Work

May 3rd, 2024.

Join us on our latest episode of El Cafecito del Día, as The AFL-CIO President, Liz Shuler, emphasizes work safety for Immigrant Workers, during Worker's Memorial Day and while we discuss with Courtney Jenkins, President of The Metro Baltimore AFL-CIO the crucial role of Unions, Union members, and Labor organizations in supporting workers facing unsafe work conditions.

Tune in for a key conversation on protecting all workers' rights.

Tragedia y Reconstrucción del Key Bridge

April 18th, 2024.

El 26 de marzo, la noticia del colapso del Francis Scott Key Bridge conmocionó a los residentes de Baltimore. Seis trabajadores inmigrantes perdieron la vida tras la caída del puente y miles de personas que residen en las zonas aledañas se vieron afectadas. En medio de la tragedia el presidente Biden anunció que los trabajadores sindicalizados y los sindicatos tendrán a su cargo la reconstrucción de la infraestructura. Acompáñenos a compartir este Cafecito del Día junto a Miguel Díaz, del Sindicato de los Obreros de la Construcción, LIUNA, Local 710 de Baltimore para hablar sobre estos temas. 

Books for our Community

April 5th, 2024.

El Cafecito del Día joined the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in Fairfax County to its books distribution event. We shared a conversation with David Walrod, president of the Fairfax County AFT about how a book distribution event can have a positive impact in the community, specially in Latino students.

Additionally, we discussed the backlashes of banning books among our children and how parents can play an active role in encouraging students to read. Full episode available here. 

CAL State University on Strike

March 7th, 2024

In this episode we delve into a pivotal moment in the fight for fair wages and improved working conditions within the California State University system. 

Through this conversation with assistant profesor, Ricardo Valencia, we uncover the significance of the agreement reached by academics y profesores, which not only addresses long-standing grievances but also promises to benefit a demographic often marginalized in academia: women.

Compartiendo un Cafecito con la Secretaria de Trabajo, Julie Su

February 12th, 2024

Join us and share this Cafecito del Día with the Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, in which we discussed the vital contributions of Latino Workers and the importance of the partnership between Government, Workers and Unions for America's success. 
Tune in to our El Cafecito del Día for an inspiring dialogue with Secretary Su.

Latino Workers and Unions: A Strategic Partnership for Americas Success

January 26th, 2024

Join us to share el primer Cafecito del Día de 2024 with LCLAA's presidenta Nacional, Evelyn DeJesus, in which we highlight listed topics of LCLAA's Annual Report Latino Workers and Unions: A Strategic Partnership for America's Success.  

In this episode we address issues such as fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable opportunities. How unions can truly become beacons of support for all workers. And how together, workers and unions can build a foundation that uplifts the voices and rights of every worker this 2024. 

The Fight for Living Fair Wages: La Lucha de los Trabajadores de Hoteles en Los Angeles

December 15th, 2023

In this episode we will learn about how unfair wages are impacting Latino workers and families, due to the high housing cost workers are fighting for a fair living wage in order to provide for their families. These are some of the challenges countless Latino workers face and which we highlight in our upcoming Publication titled: "Latino Workers and Unions: A Strategic Partnership for America's Success." Learn more by listening to this new episode.

Retos que Enfrentan Our Teachers

November 27th, 2023

In this episode, we will step into the world of educators facing un gran reto. Noel Candelaria, Secretary-treasurer of the National Education Association (NEA) shares a conversation with us about the challenges and obstacles that teachers are facing at schools. And how our community can support teachers and educators. 

 

Listen on SpotifyApple Podcasts, and more!

Deportation of Veterans, Veterans Day Special

November 10th, 2023

We are sharing a special edition for Veterans Day of El Cafecito del Día. In this segment we had a conversation with Danitza García James, US Army combat veteran, and Chief Director of Repatriate Our Patriots, and Hector Barajas, Director of Deported Veterans Support House about the deportation of veterans and the Veterans Service Act, a proposal that addresses the serious issues that military service members, veterans and their families are facing in our country because of their immigration status.

Listen on SpotifyApple Podcasts, and more!

Election Day and Latino Participation

November 2nd, 2023

This week in El Cafecito del Día we shared a conversation with with Sonia Vasquez Luna, the first Latina elected as Member of the City Council in Manassas, Virginia, and the first Hispanic immigrant woman elected as Business Manager for LIUNA local 572, about the importance of Latino vote and Latino candidate participation in local elections.

Listen on SpotifyApple Podcasts, and more!

Oportunity for All Campaign

October 20, 2023

We have a new episode of El Cafecito del Día in which, we talk about the initiative Opportunity for All Campaign. Alongside our guest Carlos Alarcon, from UCLA, we address key points about the need of a state-level initiative that allows job hiring for undocumented students and discussions that raise awareness among the immigrant community about the importance of creating opportunities and alternative plans to the immigration reform that have not yet been materialized.

Listen on SpotifyApple Podcasts, and more!

Nuevas Protecciones Legales Para Trabajadores Inmigrantes: La acción diferida, las visas U y T

June 23, 2023

Los trabajadores inmigrantes se ven afectados de manera desproporcionada por las violaciones de los derechos humanos en el lugar de trabajo y enfrentan mayores represalias por exponerlas. Escuche este podcast para conocer las nuevas protecciones legales que buscan proteger a los trabajadores no ciudadanos de la explotación laboral. Este podcast cuenta con la participación de un abogado de inmigración de la AFL-CIO y la directora ejecutiva de Georgia Familias Unidas. Escucha en Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!

Book Bans, Communities of Color & Teachers' Unions

March 23, 2023

In this episode, we discuss the recent wave of book bannings that have taken root across the United States alongside Noel Candelaria, a special education teacher, and National Education Association Secretary-Treasurer. In 2022 we saw a 250% increase in the number of proposed bills related to book banning. This episode unpacks the impact these bans are having on teachers, parents, and students across the country. Visit http://nea.org/takeaction to learn more about what you can do to support the families impacted. Listen on SpotifyApple Podcasts, and more!

Understanding Diversity in the Latino Community

February 13, 2023

February is Black History Month, a time to pay tribute to and honor the legacies of Black and Afro-latino/a leaders, both past and present. Hear from Janella T. Hinds, an outstanding labor leader, long-standing LCLAA member, and Vice President for Academic High Schools for the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) to learn about her experience in the labor movement. Listen to learn more about the importance of centering Afro-Latino/a voices and intersectionality in the labor movement. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!

Public Involvement: A Critical Tool for Unions and Community Activists

January 18, 2023

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is more than just an environmental law - it is a tool that helps advance civil rights. Hear from  Stephen Schima, the senior legislative council at EarthJustice to learn about how unions and community activists have utilized the law to create good-paying union jobs and make environmental justice a reality. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

The Cost of the Cup: A Discussion on Labor Rights Now and in the Future

December 6, 2022

Every four years the world tunes in to watch the FIFA World Cup, the most widely viewed and followed sporting event in the world. While the brilliant game continues to inspire and entertain, the 2022 World Cup has been surrounded by controversy. In this episode, we discuss labor violations that took place as Qatar prepared to host this year’s tournament and the efforts that are taking place as preparation ramps up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Our Voices Decide: AARP on the 2022 Midterm Elections

November 6, 2022

We share this Cafecito with Maggie Castro, Senior Audience Manager for Hispanic Latino Strategies of AARP. AARP is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP is a non-profit and non-partisan organization that strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Everything You Need to Know about the Illinois Workers Rights Amendment

October 28, 2022

Illinois ballots in the November election will include a vote on an amendment to the state's constitution known as the Workers' Rights Amendment, or Amendment 1, but what does it do and why does it matter? Listen to this bilingual episode to hear from Secretary-Treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor Don Vilar and Jose Alcala, President of Painter's Local 184 and LCLAA’s Chicago Metro Chapter to learn more! Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Tu Voto Tu Voz: The Pivotal Role Latino Voters will Play in the 2022 Midterm Elections

October 21, 2022

Latinos are one of the largest populations in the United States, but for years barriers have been put in place to make it harder for us to vote. At the same time, organizations have underestimated our political power for decades. This month we sat down with Arturo Vargas and Clarissa Martinez, two of the nation’s leading experts on Latino voting, to learn how we can mobilize our communities this November. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Unionizing While Undocumented: What You Need to Know

September 16, 2022

Did you know that undocumented folks can benefit from the higher wages, benefits and protections that come with a union contract? In this episode, we interview AFL-CIO Immigration and Labor specialist Stephanie Sepulveda to breakdown a recently released guidance by the Department of Labor for undocumented workers engaged in labor disputes. Learn more about deferred action and other legal protections granted to undocumented folks that speak out against unfair working conditions! Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

No Contract, No Coffee! A Conversation with Starbucks Union Leaders

Sep 1, 2022

Hear from Sam Amato and Christian Miranda, two Starbucks union leaders, about their fight for better wages and living conditions. Sam worked at Starbucks for 13 years before he was fired in retaliation for his union leadership. After watching management fire him in the cafe, Sam's coworkers immediately walked out on strike. Christian's leadership led to the second Starbucks union win in Miami Springs, Florida. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Women in the Trades: Resilience, Sisterhood & Mentorship

August 18, 2022

In 2021, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that Latinos made up 9% of all union members - and that there were roughly 1 million fewer women in the movement when compared to their male counterparts. It is clear that Latinas are under-represented in these spaces. Hear the stories of two Latina leaders in the trades, Liliana Calderon and Cristina Barillas-McEntee, as they share their stories of resilience, sisterhood and mentorship. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

The Fight for Housing Justice in Virginia: a Conversation with Tenants and Workers United

August 3, 2022

Housing costs have continued to rise across the United States. In this cafecito, we focus on Northern Virginia’s housing issues with Evelin Urrutia, Executive Director of Tenants and Workers United. We discuss their work, the current local housing policies in place, and what housing justice would mean for our Latino working class communities. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Women in the Labor Movement: Alejandra Morales Reynoso

July 20, 2022

In this cafecito, we discuss the historic independent union win that happened this past February in Silao Guanajuato, Mexico. 6400 workers at a General Motors plant voted to be represented by SINTTIA, an Independent Union of Auto Industry Workers. This episode includes an interview with the organizations’ secretary general, Alejandra Morales Reynoso. The collective sheds light on previous leadership and how their failure led to the historic nomination of a new union representative, SINITTA. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Undocumented and Unaided: Barriers in Higher Education

July 11, 2022

Pursuing a higher education is often not attainable for everyone. Finances and documentation status often plays a large role, so we beg the question: what programs exist to help students aid their studies? This week we sat down with Nardi Velasquez and Ethan Mercado, the co-community outreach coordinators for UndocuMason. This student-led organization aims to create a more inclusive environment for undocumented immigrants through education and advocacy. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

#NiUnRepartidorMenos

June 24, 2022

The episode includes an interview with Saul Gomez, member of the Mexico-City based collective for Rideshare Food Delivery Drivers, #NiUnReparditorMenos. Our conversation was conducted in his native language, Spanish -- but at the end, I provide a summary of our conversation in English. The collective was created after Jose Manuel Matias, a rideshare food delivery driver, was run over by a truck while on the job. The collective, created 4 years ago, has been working towards better working conditions and protections for rideshare workers. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

All About PRIDE!

June 8, 2022

LGBTQ+ Rights seem to be taking a step backward in recent years. What does Labor have to do to ensure that all LGBTQ+ people are supported? Our inaugural episode includes a conversation with Jerame Davis, Executive Director of Pride at Work, and a discussion of what the labor movement can and should do to support LGBTQ+ people in the workforce - especially this pride month. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Hands Off My Reproductive Rights

May 31, 2022

Over the last couple of years, we have witnessed a deliberate erosion of our freedoms, and now it's clear that women's health and access to appropriate health choices are in question. On May 2nd, an initial draft majority opinion was leaked showing that the Supreme Court has voted to strike down Roe w. Wade. Today we want to use our podcast to try and understand the implications this will have for women in the labor force and how access to healthcare, contraceptives, preventative care, and birth control impact working families. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Beyond the Gap: The Link Between Childcare and Latina Equal Pay

November 12, 2021

Latina women are disproportionately found working low-wage jobs with inconsistent schedules that make it challenging to find affordable child care. This in turn hinders Latina mothers from continuing their education, receiving professional development training, or staying in the workforce. Join us as we discuss the childcare crisis in America and other factor that contribute to the Latina Pay Gap. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

¡Sí pudimos! The victory against Chlorpyrifos

September 22, 2021

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent decision to ban the use of Chlorpyrifos in agriculture is a monumental victory for Latino farmworkers, many of whom were forced to handle this toxin on a regular basis to maintain their livelihood. In this episode, we review the history of this struggle, discuss what our victory means for our comunidad, and talk about the next steps we’ll need to take to protect workers from this dangerous chemical. We also take the opportunity to reflect on the role of Latino trade unionists in eliminating workplace hazards like Chlorpyrifos and the opportunities and limitations that come with a legal advocacy approach. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

The “Sazón” del Labor Movement: A recipe for women‘s leadership in the labor 

March 17, 2021

March is Women’s History Month, a time we dedicate to the accomplishments, contributions, and the role that women play in the labor movement. In this episode, our guests discuss their leadership, what inspires them to continue en La Lucha, and how we are all part of the efforts towards a more prosperous and inclusive future. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

You Want Me to Get What? Moving from vaccine distrust to understanding

February 9, 2021

In this episode, we explore the multifaceted aspects of the covid-19 vaccine and analyze the role that bilingual information plays in the process of allowing black and brown communities to make informed decisions as well as the historical reasons for fear and mistrust that communities of color have regarding this vaccine. Finally, we talk about the role that unions play in helping that members get vaccinated. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Georgia on My Mind

January 2, 2021

This episode covers the high-stakes 2020 Georgia runoff election, which could provide Democrats a majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This would give President Elect Biden an important advantage in implementing the agenda he and Vice-President Elect Harris have set forward for our country. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

Todos con DACA

December 11, 2020

For the past few years, the current administration has attempted to terminate the Obama-era program Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which shields undocumented immigrants who came to the US as children from deportation. On November 14, 2020, New York Attorney General Letitia James ruled that Chad Wolf was not lawfully serving as Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security when he signed rules that limited the number of applications and renewals for DACA, therefore invalidating his suspension to the program. Across the nation, DREAMers and immigrant rights advocates celebrated this ruling. But what does this ruling really mean particularly taking into account the results of the recent elections? Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

¿Y ahora que?

November 16, 2020

This episode focuses on the importance of civic engagement, union efforts to increase voter turnout, and the crucial role that Latino voters played this election cycle. We also reflect on the importance of keeping our communities civically engaged in order to achieve a more equal and just nation. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.

The Latino Community and BLM

August 13, 2020

COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted black and brown communities and highlighted racial and economic inequalities. We discuss these inequities and their intersection with the Black Lives Matter protests inspired by the murder of George Floyd. We also discuss the role of the Latino community in the BLM movement and the precautions Latinos participating in this movement can take in order to ensure their health. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.