Advertise on podcast: Breaking Ground

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Breaking Ground educates listeners about why union labor and solidarity is more important than ever! Operating Engineers Local 3 is the largest construction trades local in the U.S., representing over 38,000 members across a four-state jurisdiction of Northern California, Northern Nevada, Utah and Hawaii, including the mid-Pacific Islands. From heavy equipment operators, crane operators and mechanics, to surveyors, construction inspectors, highway maintenance workers, police officers and other public employees, Local 3 represents the men and women who drive this country’s economy. Stay informed as we tackle important topics for labor including trends in our digital world like the gig economy and automation, as well as organizing tactics, labor politics and interviews with union leaders and members.

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Check latest episodes from Breaking Ground podcast

Understanding your OE Federal Credit Union with Carmel Sangco

2025/09/12

OE Federal Credit Union Business Development Officer Carmel Sangco sits down with Engineers News Managing Editor Mandy McMillen to discuss the benefits of having a credit union specifically tailored to the needs of OE3 members and other union workers and their families, as well as what services, features, perks and benefits are available to individuals who bank with OE Federal Credit Union.

Breaking Ground interview with Retiree Dennis Griffith

2025/05/30

Nevada Retiree Dennis Griffith shares what it was like in the field, when he joined Local 3 in the 1970s, after transferring in from Local 12. His Local 3 retirement and health insurance have helped him and wife, Rita, and their kids, have a great life. Dennis has worked on some amazing projects throughout Local 3’s jurisdiction and offers good advice for those still actively working in the industry today. For the video version, visit Local 3’s official YouTube channel.

A Talk with OE3 Business Agent Armie Morgan

2025/02/25

Local 3 Business Agent Armie Morgan represents Local 3 members in the counties of Marin, San Francisco and San Mateo, but he wears many other hats, including being a commissioner for the SF Fire Department. Get to know Armie, his job duties and how he got involved in the Construction Trades and helping members in the largest Construction Trades Local in North America.

Interview with OE3 Apprenticeship Coordinator Meg-Anne Pryor

2024/12/16

Meg-Anne Pryor has done it all and made it look easy, from graduating valedictorian in SF’s City Build program to being the keynote speaker for President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address, she is an inspirational figure for us all. Previously a successful Construction Equipment Operator (CEO) in the field and now serving OE3’s apprentices as a coordinator for the CA Training Center and board member of Sistas with Tools, she has a story worth hearing. Her passion for Labor and helping others as she was helped is contagious. You won’t want to miss this episode!

New Breaking Ground podcast available with OE3 Public Employee Director Tim Neep and Business Agent Michael Moore

2024/07/09

Did you know Local 3 represents close to 10,000 Public Employee members throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada, and this representation includes a 90 percent success rate when it comes to handling grievances, pay issues and disciplinary actions? Learn about the many benefits of Local 3 representation for our Public Employee members and how to get organized, if you’re not!

IUOE Legislative Report

2024/03/22

Hear straight from the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Legislative and Political Director Jeff Soth, as he discusses Labor’s gains during the current administration and what’s at stake during this critical Election Year. He works hard in Washington to lobby for major infrastructure investments at the federal level that put Operating Engineers to work. OE3’s own Political Director Chris Snyder also weighs-in about Local 3’s specific goals for this election cycle and which previous political gains have created massive projects for us.

2024 Election Season Kick-Off with OE3’s Political Department

2024/02/20

Please enjoy the Election Season Kick-Off podcast from Local 3’s Political Department, which includes Political Director Chris Snyder and Deputy Political Director Patrick Boileau. Learn how the political process works, from how union endorsements are made, where funding for projects you work on comes from and important races to pay attention to this year.

Breaking Ground with Stockton Business Agent Michelle Gianelli

2023/11/06

Local 3 Stockton Business Agent Michelle Gianelli has asked questions her whole life, and it’s this curiosity that has helped her succeed in her career, in the field, as an instructor at the CA Training Center, as a dispatcher in Stockton District 30 and now as a Stockton business agent. Listen and watch as she shares her story and helps provide correct information to the members she represents.

A talk with Utah District Rep. Brandon Dew

2023/07/10

Learn about the almost 30-year Local 3 member’s early days working in the pit in Utah, as well as his climb to becoming the Utah District Rep. and Union Trustee today. Utah district Rep. Brandon Dew is also an active member of coalitions, has helped strengthen the membership and apprenticeship opportunities in the Utah District Office, is actively engaged in union politics and is proudest of his family. Listen to his story now! Brandon’s story of how he became a union member and joined staffExplaining the coalitions he is part ofWhat it’s like to be a district rep in Utah today, how the union is doing and what challenges Local 3 and other unions face in the statePoliticsThings he is most proud of

Breaking Ground with OE3 Burlingame District Rep. / Trustee Charley Lavery

2023/03/29

Local 3 Burlingame District Rep. / Trustee Charley Lavery has built a lifetime around union activism. The Irish immigrant recalls how becoming a Local 3 member revolutionized his life and the life of his family. He has used his story of unionism to change the lives of apprentices, members and more, while making sure Labor’s issues are at the forefront of San Francisco politics.

A Talk with NCIC Director Dina Morsi

2023/02/13

NorCal Construction Industry Compliance (NCIC) Executive Director Dina Morsi discusses the NCIC's role in protecting workers from wage theft, holding non-compliant contractors accountable and ensuring a level playing field for contractors bidding on the public works projects that OE3 members rely on for employment.

OE3 Political Action Committee (PAC) interview

2022/10/17

Sacramento District 80 Political Action Committee (PAC) members Frank Fuller, Travis Damiani and Miguel Gonzalez explain how the PAC works, how members can participate in their PAC and how these committees determine which local candidates do or don’t get a Local 3 recommendation. If you ever wondered how the union determines endorsements, listen now. Also available to watch on YouTube here.

Breaking Ground with Dolores Morales

2022/09/02

An in-depth interview with Local 3 member, County Employees Management (CEMA) president and Hollister City Council Member Dolores Morales, who discusses what the union movement means to her, how engagement in politics is a necessity and how caring about and involvement in your community is all you need to make a difference.

Overcoming Political Division in a Divisive Political Year

2022/06/14

The country is perhaps more divided right now than ever, and as we sit in the middle of an Election year, it is even more troubling. We, as a union, must find a way to get united. The way to do that is by coming together and rallying around our shared core needs. This video looks at how we are all more alike than we realize and how we, as Operating Engineers, are very much in agreement about several key shared goals. Understanding these and the reasons behind why we do politics the way we do, will only make us stronger. It's an encouraging message, no matter which side of the political aisle you sit on. Don't miss it!

Beating all Odds

2022/05/02

OE3 District Rep. Mike Pickens gets really honest about his childhood struggles and how finding a career through Job Corps and then Operating Engineers changed the course and direction of his entire life. His insight and journey helps point those who may be struggling in a better direction … and a career option!