Adam Keller, the co-host and co-producer for The Valley Labor Report joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the outreach and educational opportunities he was able to provide to high school students on Workers’ Memorial Day and May Day, House Bill 209 and the Writers Guild of America strike.
A former social studies teacher, Keller believes that educating and informing students is the path forward for growing the labor movement. On Workers’ Memorial Day (April 28) and May Day (May 1), Keller visited multiple schools to educate students on what unions are, their history, famous labor movement activists and some of the protections unions can provide members. He hopes to extend his efforts to include job fairs and career days and capitalize on the support current school officials are giving these educational opportunities.
Alabama legislators have presented and a bill that was passed by the House to criminalize multiple activities relating to certain parties assisting in absentee voting. HB 209 would criminalize assisting in the distribution, ordering, requesting, collection, obtaining, delivery or filling out an absentee ballot or application with the exception of a few select people. These actions would now result in a Class D felony. Many non-profit organizations helping the elderly and disabled vote by absentee ballots will now face potential felony charges.
The Writers Guild of America strike is now entering day 10. Keller discussed his union, the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), standing in solidarity with the WGA. With the United States being one of the greatest entertainment producers in the world, and the writers being the backbone of shows and movies consumed, Keller believes the major studios will soon be back at the negotiating table ready to make a deal.
Listen to the entire episode to learn more.