Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams Beverly Williams

In this episode of Your Employment Matters, we continue the series on labor management. This topic is much needed after the years of decline in union membership, the changes in the workplace after the pandemic, and the great resignation. There is now a cautious optimism about a resurgence of unionism.
Our guest today is Stuart Davidson, Esq. He’s currently a partner at Willig, Williams & Davidson where he represents public and private benefit funds, fighting to preserve the ability of workers to retire with dignity and have access to affordable health care. His work for unions includes leading contract negotiations, presenting interest and grievance arbitrations and advising on external and internal union matters.
“It takes a monumental effort to successfully organize workers.” - Stuart Davidson
While Stuart was in college, he was challenged by his great uncle to get to know and work with the working-class people of America, so he worked as a Union Organizer in North Carolina in the 1970s. Besides the social and economic aspects inhibiting union organization, he saw that lawyers dominated the field and denied workers the opportunity to build a better future. From there, he decided to attend law school and become a union lawyer. He’s been representing unions and workers for 42 years.
Key topics discussed:

The duality of sides of workers and management

The effects of the change from a defined benefit plan (earned pension) to a defined contribution plan (401k’s)

The rise in Union memberships, especially among the young workers

The changes in the workplace over the decades, especially in the relationship between workers and management


“I believe that labor is a failed process.” - Stuart Davidson
The workplace and labor laws need to change so that employees will get paid fairly, get the benefits they deserve, and have a healthy working environment. This conversation between Beverly and Stuart has conflicting perspectives, new insights, and much-needed knowledge for anyone who wants to know the benefits of being a part of a union.
Connect with Stuart Davidson
Website
LinkedIn
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Check out Beverly Williams book: Your GPS to Employment Success
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Right now, the workplace has five different generations of employees, and such a diverse environment comes its set of benefits and challenges. This can be a tricky situation to navigate. If managed right, it can foster a group that’s working cohesively together and a business that’s constantly innovating and growing. When not handled well, it can lead to underappreciated employees, unqualified managers, and tense disagreements. To talk about how he handles these situations in his business, we’re joined by Terry M. Isner.
Terry is an experienced marketer and creative communicator with nearly three decades of expertise. He shares insights from his journey as the owner and CEO of Jaffee, a virtual agency specializing in legal PR and marketing. His focus on human dynamics and empathy in business has led to transformative leadership styles and improved productivity within his agency.
Some topics Terry discusses include:

Balancing compromise and collaboration - Different generations of employees have different perspectives and goals. 

Recognizing Individual strengths and passions - When employees and managers treat each other as an individual, they can better recognize the strengths and dreams of each other.

Embracing change and innovation - The workplace is constantly changing and employers need to adapt as well. This includes adapting the business in different areas like work structure, compensations, leadership styles, and even technology.


“All we can do is try and be open. And that's exactly how this is going to work.” - Terry M. Isner
This insightful conversation between Terry and Beverly gives practical advice and new perspectives on how businesses can navigate the complexities of the constantly evolving workplace and foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and innovation.
Connect with Terry M. Isner:
Website
LinkedIn
Twitter

Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated.
Check out Beverly Williams book: Your GPS to Employment Success
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In this episode of Your Employment Matters, Beverly Williams welcomes a very special guest, Mr. Richard Hooker Jr., a union leader, and officer. Together, they discuss the importance of collaborative negotiation in employment disputes, particularly in today’s post-COVID world. 
As the Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 623, Richard is responsible for its 4,500 members. He makes sure that they receive protection, fair pay and good work conditions. His goals are to change the mindset of management and employees and to bring dignity and respect back in the workplace.
“We just went through one of the most difficult times of our history, and America had to depend on its workers to make it through.” - Richard Hooker Jr.
Some of the issues in today’s workplace discussed are:

Union leaderships

The Great Resignation led to people losing jobs without a backup

Contentious strikes and dragged-out negotiations


During the pandemic, the world realized how vital laborers are to keeping society running, and how they deserve fair contracts and compensation. When employees don’t have a highly specialized or in-demand skill, they aren’t in a position to make demands or have job security, because they can be easily replaced. This is why Richard is advocating for Unions, so workers can have the protection they need.
The employer-employee relationship is still a relationship. Both sides have their expectations, needs, and non-negotiables. There has to be a balance, a way to reach win-win situations without great losses. This episode explores why this balance is necessary, yet tricky to reach.
Connect with Richard Hooker Jr.:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter

Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated.
Check out Beverly’s book: Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job Your-GPS-Employment-Success

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The court has been the place to settle all manners of disputes in family matters, estate dealings, and even employment issues. But taking things to court is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally exhausting. In this episode, Beverly Williams is joined by esteemed attorney Marcia Werner to introduce us to the world of collaborative law and how it can be a better way to handle legal disagreements, even in labor management relations.
Marcia is an accomplished attorney with over 45 years of experience in family law, employment law, and other legal specializations. Her passion for helping others and her dedication to promoting constructive dialogue gives a different take in the legal world. With her wealth of knowledge and commitment to promoting a better way to resolve legal disputes, she brings a new perspective to the table.
“If your mind is telling you that you've been wronged, then you may fight to the end to try to vindicate your position.”-Marcia Werner
Marcia introduces us to collaborative law, an alternative dispute resolution for legal matters where each party hires a lawyer along with other professionals, such as financial experts or mental health professionals to negotiate an agreement without ever going to court. This is more commonly practiced in estate disputes, divorce, and family law, but today we’ll explore how this can be used in employment issues. With the rising number of calls for unionization, strikes, and changes in the employment world, perhaps now is the time to bring in collaborative law.
Marcia also talks about:

The origins of collaborative law

The importance of transparency

Interdisciplinary collaboration


This episode provides fresh optimism and the knowledge that there are avenues for conflict resolution other than court.
Connect with Marcia Werner:
Website

Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated.
Check out Beverly’s book: Your GPS to Employment Success:
How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job Your-GPS-Employment-Success
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Join host Beverly Williams in this episode of Your Employment Matters as she delves into the dynamic world of labor-management relations and shares invaluable career strategies to empower listeners in their job search journey. With insightful commentary and practical advice, Beverly explores key developments shaping the employment landscape and offers actionable insights for success.
Beverly draws upon her extensive expertise in employment matters to guide listeners through the intricacies of labor management relations and effective career strategies. With years of experience as an author and advocate for employment success, Beverly brings a wealth of knowledge, offering invaluable insights for navigating today's competitive job market.
“You want to convey the message that ‘I am a professional.’” – Beverly Williams
Key insights shared in this episode are:

Navigating Disability Disclosure

Career Strategies for Success

Practical Actions for Navigating the Workplace


Beverly also emphasizes the importance of gratitude, preparation, and perseverance while looking for a job. It’s more than your qualifications and experience that will get you your dream job.

Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated.
Check out Beverly Williams book: Your GPS to Employment Success: How to Find and Succeed in the Right Job Your-GPS-Employment-Success
Learn more about your ad choices, visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the guarantees in life is that we’ll face challenges. No matter what you do, there will come a time when you’re in a difficult situation and you’ll need to decide whether to give up or keep on going. But when you’re working towards a goal, you always need to try to keep on going. Our guest today shares some impressive stories of working through difficulties and how he kept going.
“You should be asking what's the right way to do something. And the right way isn't always easy.” - Brendon Spencer
Brandon Spencer is a Physical Therapist. He got his degree from Kean University and went through the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Essex County College.
His path to becoming a Physical Therapist is not just a testament to his professional dedication, but a story of tenacity and unwavering determination. Despite battling anxiety disorder during his first year of college and enduring a herniated disc in his spine during his final year, Brendon refused to let that stop him. He walked to class on crutches and took his final exams while lying down on the classroom floor. His commitment to his education reflects his grit, and it’s a story still being told today by some of his professors.
Also discussed in this episode:

Choosing the right degree and school

How passive income provides freedom and flexibility

Understanding your value and marketability in the job market


Brandon’s story is inspirational and tells us that we can make things happen, achieve our goals, and have the life we want, no matter what our circumstances might be. Listen in to be filled with insights, motivation, and Brendon’s inspiring story.

Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated.
Check out Beverly Williams book: Your GPS to Employment Success
Learn more about your ad choices, visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.
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