Labor Lounge Podcast Podcast By Anthony Abrantes & Cyndie Williams cover art

Labor Lounge Podcast

Labor Lounge Podcast

By: Anthony Abrantes & Cyndie Williams
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Welcome to Labor Lounge Podcast! Co-hosted by Anthony Abrantes, Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, the Carpenter’s Union, and Cyndie Williams, Executive Director of the Carpenter Contractor Trust. We’ll explore the world of organized labor, bringing you behind-the-scenes stories and insights from inspiring union leaders, dedicated partners, and community change-makers. In each episode, we dive into authentic conversation to uncover what unions are really about - beyond the headlines and myths. Tune in, get informed, and find out how organized labor is making a difference!© 2026 Anthony Abrantes & Cyndie Williams Career Success Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • EP 16: Philip Radomski and Mary Kate Radomski
    Apr 8 2026

    Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc. Chairman Philip Radomski and President Mary Kate Radomski join Anthony and Cyndie to share the 100+ year evolution of their family-founded construction firm - from Depression-era coal hauling to major institutional and industrial projects across the region. They discuss a thoughtful generational transition of leadership, the company’s deep commitment to union labor, and why safety, training, and “knowing how to build” remain core to their success. The conversation also explores how apprenticeships create long-term, high-paying careers, why union contractors outperform on safety and efficiency, and how reframing construction as a lifelong profession is critical to the future of the industry.

    https://radomski-builders.com/

    Episode highlights:
    (1:19) Meet Philip and Mary Kate Radomski
    (2:14) The 100-year history of Radomski & Sons
    (5:40) Why knowing how to build still matters
    (9:00) Passing leadership to the next generation
    (11:09) Why the trades are a real career path
    (15:31) Why union labor, quality, and safety matter
    (19:39) Community impact and long-term careers
    (25:05) Advice for young people entering construction
    (30:23) Closing thoughts on partnership and legacy

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    31 mins
  • EP 15: Governor Mikie Sherrill
    Mar 10 2026

    In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to talk about how unions and workforce development can shape the state’s economic future. Sherrill shares her approach to expanding apprenticeships, aligning education with industry, and preparing workers for a rapidly changing economy. She reflects on the role of organized labor in protecting jobs, wages, and dignity, and why staying “at the table” will be essential for New Jersey’s working families.

    (2:39) Workforce development priorities for New Jersey
    (3:21) Infrastructure jobs and the Gateway Tunnel Project
    (4:06) Aligning labor, higher education, and industry
    (5:29) Governor Sherrill’s personal union family story
    (7:40) Why labor plays a key role in affordability and the middle class
    (10:54) Job growth strategies and expanding apprenticeship programs
    (12:25) How labor benefits the entire workforce
    (15:16) Pension investments and economic impact
    (16:33) Key industries driving New Jersey’s future
    (17:54) AI and the future of work
    (19:55) Measuring workforce development success in New Jersey
    (21:01) Why labor must have a seat at the table

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    23 mins
  • EP 14: Lt. Governor Austin Davis
    Feb 10 2026

    Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joins Anthony and Cyndie to discuss how unions power the middle class and why the state is investing heavily in apprenticeships and workforce development. Raised in a union family, Davis shares how organized labor shaped his path and how it continues to drive economic opportunity and community stability across the Commonwealth. He outlines new funding for career-technical education, the $20B Amazon data-center project with $10M in targeted workforce development, and Pennsylvania’s approach to balancing business growth with worker protections.

    https://www.pa.gov/ltgovernor

    https://eascarpenters.org/

    https://cctmarketing.org/


    00:00 – Opening and show setup with Anthony and Cyndie
    07:41 – Introduction of Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis
    08:23 – Austin shares how his union upbringing shaped his values and opportunities
    09:55 – How unions create generational wealth and family stability
    11:57 – The origins of workers’ rights: weekends, work hours, and safety from union advocacy
    12:42 – The ongoing fight to protect organized labor and resist “right to work” efforts
    13:38 – Growing up in McKeesport and seeing how unions built stable communities
    14:40 – Pennsylvania’s investment in workforce development and apprenticeships
    15:48 – Expanding career and technical education to meet the state’s labor demand
    16:38 – Balancing business growth with worker protections under the Shapiro administration
    17:05 – The $20B Amazon data center investment and workforce development funding
    18:27 – Pennsylvania’s commitment to clean and renewable energy projects
    19:07 – Bipartisan efforts to speed energy and infrastructure development
    20:22 – Bringing both parties together under a shared “Pennsylvania jersey”
    21:32 – How cooperation across political lines benefits workers and families
    22:22 – The future of organized labor and new union movements across industries
    23:46 – Rising union popularity and rebuilding the middle class across all sectors
    24:09 – Closing remarks and appreciation for Austin Davis’s leadership

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    18 mins
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