Blue Collar News

What does it take to keep experienced nurses at the bedside? On this episode of Blue Collar News, we dive into the ongoing contract negotiations between Montana Nurses Association Local #5 Registered Nurses at St. James Healthcare and Intermountain Health.

After months at the bargaining table, nurses share why they're fighting to protect their contract, preserve fair wages, and retain experienced healthcare professionals in Butte.

Robin Haux, Labor Program Director for the Montana Nurses Association, explain why this contract fight isn't just about nurses—it's about ensuring the Butte community continues to rec...

We're proud to launch "Natives in Labor," a special three-part series dedicated to the opportunities, challenges, and future of the skilled trades in Montana's tribal communities.

Throughout this series, we'll take a closer look at:

🔹 Prevailing Wage — Understanding how prevailing wage laws impact projects, workers, and tribal economies.

🔹 Apprenticeship Opportunities on Montana Reservations — Exploring pathways into high-demand, family-supporting careers through union and industry apprenticeship programs.

🔹 Education on Montana's Tribal Reservations — Highlighting workforce development, career and technical education, and the partnerships helping prepare the next generation of Native tradespeople.

The future of Monta...

The conversation continues from the 2026 Montana AFL-CIO COPE Convention as our panelists take a deeper dive into what it will take to ensure workers have a seat at the table as AI and data center development accelerate across the country.

In Part 2, Adam Haight of LiUNA Local 1686, Kate French of the BlueGreen Alliance, and John Mataya of the AFL-CIO discuss the policies, partnerships, and workforce investments needed to create family-sustaining union careers while protecting workers and local communities. 

Don't miss the conclusion of this important discussion about building a w...

What does it take to run for public office, and why should working people consider stepping into leadership?

In this episode of Blue Collar News, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small sits down with Curtis Schomer for an honest conversation about running for political office. Together, they discuss the rewards and challenges of campaigning, the realities of serving in elected office, and why it is critical to have leaders who understand the needs of working families.

Jason and Curtis explore the pros and cons of seeking public office, from balancing family...

What does the rise of artificial intelligence and data centers mean for Montana's workers? In this special episode of Blue Collar News, recorded at the 2026 Montana AFL-CIO COPE Convention, we bring you an insightful panel discussion on "Data Centers, AI & the Future of a Worker-Centered Economy."

Moderated during the convention, the conversation features Adam Haight of LiUNA Local 1686, Kate French of the BlueGreen Alliance, and John Mataya of the AFL-CIO. Together, they explore how the rapid expansion of AI and data centers is transforming our economy, creating new opportunities...

In Part Two of Blue Collar News, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small continues the conversation with Jay Reardon, taking a deeper dive into apprenticeship utilization and why registered apprenticeships remain one of the strongest pathways to a successful career in Montana.

Jason and Jay discuss the value apprentices bring to employers, communities, and the state's economy while highlighting how apprenticeship programs provide workers with the opportunity to earn a paycheck while they learn a skilled trade. They also explore how these careers offer family-supporting wages, excellent benefits, and long-term financial stability—creating li...

On this episode of Blue Collar News, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small sits down with Jay Reardon to discuss Montana legislation that is creating opportunities for incarcerated individuals through skilled trades education and workforce training.

They explore how the legislation expands partnerships with the Montana Department of Corrections to provide inmates with hands-on training in the construction and skilled trades, helping them develop valuable career skills before reentering their communities. Jason and Jay discuss how these programs can strengthen Montana's workforce, reduce recidivism, and create pathways to family-supporting union careers while addressing...

What happens when several longtime grocery workers is let go, and questions arise about whether union contract protections were followed?

Join Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small for a LIVE episode of Blue Collar News as he sits down with Terrie Trettenback to discuss the recent situation involving a worker at Hometown Harvest Foods (formerly Everyday IGA). Together, they explore why collective bargaining agreements matter, the role unions play in ensuring due process and workplace fairness, and what these situations can mean for workers, their families, and the communities they serve.<...

Blue Collar News with Jason Small

In this episode of Blue Collar News, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small sits down with Clint Penny, President of the Montana State Building and Construction Trades Council, to discuss the highlights and outcomes of this year's annual convention.

Together, they explore the key issues shaping the future of Montana's construction industry, including workforce development, legislative priorities, and the growing opportunities surrounding data center construction across the state. From the jobs these projects can create to ensuring union workers have a seat at...

What does the future of work look like in Montana? On this episode of the Blue Collar News Podcast, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small sits down with Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, for an in-depth conversation about the issues impacting working people across the state.

From the current state of Montana's workforce and employment trends to apprenticeship opportunities, workforce development, and the resources available to workers and employers, Commissioner Swanson shares insight into how the Department of Labor is working to meet the challenges ahead.<...

The votes have been counted, and the results are in. Join the Montana AFL-CIO as host, Jason Small, breaks down the outcomes of the Montana Primary Election and what they mean for working people across our state.

In this episode, we'll discuss key victories, disappointing defeats, and the races that will shape the future of Montana's workforce. We'll examine how labor-backed candidates performed, what the results reveal about the political landscape, and how unions can build momentum heading into the general election.

Most importantly, we'll talk about what's next for the labor movement. From voter...

In this episode, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary, Jason Small, sits down with Chris Dorrington, Director of the Montana Department of Transportation, for a conversation about the current state and future of Montana’s transportation infrastructure.

They discuss the ongoing construction season, major road and infrastructure projects across the state, workforce needs, and the importance of investing in safe, reliable transportation systems that support Montana communities and create good-paying union jobs. Tune in for an inside look at the work being done to keep Montana moving forward.

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In this special episode, we celebrate the dedication and impact of nurses across the state during National Nurses Week.

From long shifts to lifesaving care, Montana’s nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system—and their work doesn’t go unnoticed. We’ll explore how unions are supporting nurses on the front lines, advocating for safer working conditions, fair wages, and stronger communities.

Join us as we hear stories of resilience, solidarity, and the power of collective action in honoring the people who care for us when we need it most.

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The conversation continues with Part 3 of our Unions & Data Centers series—featuring Dan Delbolt, Business Manager of IBEW Local 532 and Chairman of the Montana State Conference of Electrical Workers. 

As data center development accelerates across the country, the role of skilled union electricians has never been more critical. In this episode, Dan shares how IBEW Local 532 is helping meet the moment—delivering highly trained professionals, upholding the highest safety standards, and ensuring these complex projects are built to last.

Tune in as we discuss:
⚡ The growing demand for union electricians in data center construction
🏗️...

In this follow-up episode, we continue the conversation on the evolving relationship between data centers and organized labor, diving deeper into the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry. Riley McCauley of the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters returns to share frontline insights on how unions are adapting to the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure across the country.

Part two explores the realities of workforce development, the push for skilled labor in high-demand tech construction, and how unions are positioning themselves to ensure quality jobs in a sector often defined by speed and scale. Riley breaks down...

In this episode, the Montana AFL-CIO sits down with the president of LiUNA Local 1686 for a timely conversation on the intersection of organized labor and the rapid expansion of data centers. As demand for digital infrastructure grows, so does the need for a skilled, protected workforce to build and maintain it.

Together, they explore what data center development means for Montana workers, how unions are working to secure good-paying jobs in this emerging sector, and why labor standards matter in shaping the future of tech-driven construction. The discussion also highlights the role of LiUNA in advocating for...

Last week healthcare providers won an historic election in Montana. On this edition of the Blue Collar news, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small is joined by Dr. Stuart Bussey, president of the United Association of Physicians and Dentists, and organizer Alexandria Honey to highlight what's needs to be done to improve patient care and what doctors and providers in Kalispell are negotiating for.

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Donnie Wetzel, Jr, is the Tribal Liaison for the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and joined Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small in Helena to discuss his work engaging young people, coordinating and learning from tribal leaders, and the work being done to build strong communities and an empowered workforce.

Topics covered in this edition of Blue Collar News include workforce development, apprenticeship opportunities in the trades, and the benefits of project labor agreements and prevailing wage laws. Wetzel is a member of the Blackfeet Nation and has over 20+ years of experience working with...

As the longest government shutdown in history appears to be coming to an end, Montana Food Bank Network CEO Gayle Carlson joins us to discuss how food banks across our state are stepping up to fight food insecurity in Montana. If you would like to donate or volunteer visit MFBN.org for more information.

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Throughout this shutdown federal workers in Montana are fighting for critical public services that ensure the health, safety, and well being of our communities.

 In this episode of Blue Collar News AFGE 4012 President Jordan Harwell, who represents Social Security workers in several western states, joins us from Butte, Montana.

We're also joined by the Montana Nurses Association's Chief Executive Officer Vicky Byrd to discuss why we're seeing healthcare premium increases across the state and why it's so important to renew the Affordable Care Act tax credits.

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UFCW Local 1889 joins Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small to discuss grocery story workers across our state, including recent bargaining wins for workers at Albertsons stores in Montana, how collective bargaining helps protect workers against AI and automation challenges, and why building power for working families is more important than ever.

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For Montana skiers and boarders, Ski Patrol are a lifeline - they’re the ones who race out the door to help on people's worst days on the mountain, prevent avalanches inbounds, and keep us safe on the slopes.

In this episode of the Blue Collar News, Jason sits down with Matthew Bagwill of the Whitefish Professional Ski Patrol Union, CWA Local 7781

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In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Montana AFL-CIO Executive Secretary Jason Small talks to smoke jumper and NFFE Local 60 Vice President Sam Forstag about the damaging cuts to federal workers and how these actions will impact fire season and access to our public lands in Montana.  

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Our right to live, work, and retire with dignity is fundamental to who we are as Montanans. Out-of-state corporations have tried to profit off of Montana’s labor and resources for more than a century and “Right-to-Work” bills have been proposed for decades. But, why do we need to keep having these fights? And who benefits from “Right to work” legislation if it passes?

So, this week we have something special for everyone. Over the next several weeks, we are going to be rallying once more against a proposed Right to work bill we expect to drop any day no...

In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Jason is joined by Robin Haux of the Montana Nurses Association to discuss the fight for safe staffing and better patient care in Montana.

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In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Jason talks to firefighters with the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) in Montana about public safety, public funding, and how important union rights are to protecting our communities. 

George Richards, President of the Montana State Council of Professional Firefighters

Carter Marsh, President of IAFF Local 8 (Great Falls)

Andy Zimmerman, IAFF Local 547 (Kalispell)

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In this edition of the Blue Collar News, Jason talks unions and Colstrip with IBEW 1638 Business Manager Stacey Yates and local President Maria Crispin. 

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