Podcasts
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 Spotify, Apple 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 Spotify, Apple 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 Spotify, Apple 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 Spotify, Apple 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 Spotify, Apple 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.