Adam Keller, Worker Power Campaign Director for Alabama Arise and co-host of the Valley Labor Report, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss his new position, the importance of legislative advocacy and efforts to diversify union membership in the South.
In his new position with Alabama Arise, Keller focuses on building support for workers outside the workplace as they organize inside. He emphasized the importance of creating power in communities, particularly in the face of opposition from business and political interests in the South. Keller discussed the need to rebuild Alabama's rich legacy of unionism, noting that at one time, one in four workers in the state were union members. He stressed the importance of transforming Alabama to better serve working people, citing Oxfam America’s 2024 report that ranked Alabama as the fourth worst state to work in the U.S.
Keller continued by discussing the critical role of legislative advocacy in advancing workers' rights. He shared details about a recent training session conducted in partnership with the North Alabama Area Labor Council, where participants learned about the legislative process and effective advocacy techniques. Keller emphasized the importance of engaging with lawmakers, noting that 80 percent of Americans do not know who their state legislator is. He added that union members need to be politically engaged to counter the influence of business interests on lawmakers.
The Valley Labor Report, co-hosted by Keller, has continued to expand its reach, now being heard on five radio stations across four states. The show covers various labor issues in the South, including attacks on federal workers, postal service challenges and debates with union busters. Keller highlighted the importance of providing a platform for working people to discuss issues often overlooked in mainstream media. He emphasized the show's commitment to highlighting solidarity and holding corporate entities accountable.
To hear more from Keller on the efforts to empower workers in the South, listen to the full episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast above.