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!
EP 21: Commissioner John Krickus of Morris County Board of County Commissioners
Morris County Commissioner John Krickus joins Anthony and Cyndie to talk workforce development, infrastructure investment, and the role skilled labor plays in strengthening communities across New Jersey. Krickus reflects on his time serving on the Morris County Board of County Commissioners, highlighting efforts to reduce property taxes while expanding investment in public infrastructure and career-focused education. He shares updates on the expansion of the Career Training Center and the upcoming Center for Health Professions, emphasizing the growing demand for vocational training and skilled trades careers. Krickus also discusses the success of project labor agreements in delivering cost savings and high-quality workmanship on major county projects, while underscoring the broader importance of workforce training to economic stability, national security, veteran support, and combating issues like homelessness and opioid addiction.
https://eascarpenters.org/
https://cctmarketing.org/
https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Home (https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Home)
Episode highlights:
(2:31) Commissioner John Krickus on public service and the skilled worker shortage
(7:08) Why investing in infrastructure and people creates long-term value
(14:03) Workforce development, manufacturing, and County College of Morris
(17:36) Project labor agreements and major Morris County construction projects
(22:20) Union apprenticeship training and career education opportunities
(27:34) Rebuilding American manufacturing and protecting domestic workers
(35:42) Investing in workers as a solution to affordability challenges
(40:51) Apprenticeships, college credits, and debt-free career paths
(48:01) How union construction can deliver quality work under budget
(52:16) Veteran homelessness, opioid recovery, and community support
5 Aug 2026
EP 20: Michael V. Fina of ULA Network
Michael V. Fina, Founder and Executive Director of the ULA Network and the ULA Network Charitable Foundation, sits down with Anthony and Cyndie to discuss his work promoting union labor and workforce development through the ULA Network, a platform connecting unions, industry leaders, and workforce organizations. Fina shares how initiatives like the Vets for Vets program are supporting veterans through hands-on community projects while creating pathways into meaningful careers in the skilled trades. He also explores the power of storytelling, media, and social platforms in changing perceptions around union careers and reaching younger generations with opportunities in vocational training. Throughout the conversation, Fina highlights how union jobs continue to provide family-sustaining wages, healthcare, retirement benefits, and long-term career stability as the workforce evolves and demand for skilled labor grows.
https://eascarpenters.org/ (https://eascarpenters.org/)
https://cctmarketing.org/ (https://cctmarketing.org/)
https://ulanetwork.com/ (https://ulanetwork.com/)
Episode highlights:
(2:50) How the ULA Network began
(6:39) Common myths about union careers
(9:47) Using media to promote skilled trades
(12:42) Connecting schools, CTE programs, and apprenticeships
(16:08) Turning social media interest into career opportunities
(17:57) The story and mission behind Vets for Vets
(25:01) Positive labor stories in modern media
(28:04) Building a lasting workforce development legacy
8 Jul 2026
EP 19: Acting Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis of New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development (NJDOL)
New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development Acting Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis joins Anthony and Cyndie to discuss the evolving future of work, worker protections, and workforce development across the Garden State. Drawing on his background in labor law and public service, Jarvis explains how the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is modernizing systems, strengthening enforcement, and building partnerships with unions, employers, and educational institutions to support workers and businesses alike. He also addresses the growing challenges of worker misclassification, the rise of gig work and AI-driven technology, and why continuous education and collaboration are critical to protecting workers while preparing New Jersey’s workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.
Episode highlights:
(1:13) Introducing Acting Commissioner Kevin Jarvis
(3:23) Growing up in a union family and serving workers
(7:09) How organized labor helps shape workforce policy
(11:42) Misclassification, wage theft, and the impact on workers and employers
(16:24) Protecting vulnerable workers and anonymous reporting
(20:23) Educating employers while enforcing labor laws
(25:02) AI, apps, and the future of work
(29:35) Why apprenticeships still work
(30:12) Acting Commissioner Jarvis on legacy, fairness, and helping people
(33:21) Investing in working-class families and opportunity
Who has been a guest on Labor Lounge Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Phil Murphy
Mike Schloff
Carey Balogh
Lauren Sleeman
Rob Smith
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,319
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
11 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 58 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
69
Social presence
0
YouTube
68
Engagement
51
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