America’s Work Force Union Podcast welcomed back Adam Keller, co-host of The Valley Labor Report (TVLR), who shared insights on the state of labor activism and union growth, particularly in the South. Keller emphasized the importance of amplifying pro-labor messaging and highlighted key victories and challenges faced by the labor movement in 2024.
Keller expressed gratitude for the successful fundraising efforts that raised over $10,000 to support TVLR, the largest union radio program in the South. These donations will enable the program to expand its reach and continue advocating for workers' rights. He underscored the necessity of pro-labor media to counteract misinformation and engage communities in meaningful conversations about the value of unions. With plans to explore new content, including labor history and Spanish-language programming, Keller aims to broaden the show's impact and reach more diverse audiences.
Reflecting on the political landscape, Keller noted the diverse reactions among TVLR’s listeners following the recent election. While some expressed optimism about the Trump administration, others voiced concerns about potential threats to labor rights. Keller highlighted the need for ongoing dialogue and education to address misconceptions and unite workers around common goals. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by a lack of political representation in states like Alabama, where union-friendly candidates often face an uphill battle.
Despite these challenges, Keller celebrated significant union victories in the South, including the United Auto Workers win at Volkswagen in Chattanooga and successful organizing efforts by educators and nurses. According to Keller, these achievements demonstrate the resilience and determination of workers to advocate for better conditions and representation. As the labor movement continues to grow in the South, he remains optimistic about the potential for collective action to drive positive change.
Listen to the full episode to hear more from Keller about TVLRs mission and the ongoing efforts to strengthen labor's voice in the South.
America’s Work Force is the only daily labor podcast in the US and has been on the air since 1993, supplying listeners with useful, relevant input into their daily lives through fact-finding features, in-depth interviews, informative news segments and practical consumer reports. America’s Work Force is committed to providing an accessible venue in which America's workers and their families can hear discussion on important, relevant topics such as employment, healthcare, legislative action, labor-management relations, corporate practices, finances, local and national politics, consumer reports and labor issues.
America’s Work Force Union Podcast is brought to you in part by our sponsors: AFL-CIO, American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of Musicians Local 4, Alliance for American Manufacturing, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes-IBT, Boyd Watterson, Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, Communication Workers of America, Mechanical Insulators Labor Management Cooperative Trust, International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 50, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 6, Ironworkers Great Lakes District Council, Melwood, The Labor Citizen newspaper, Laborers International Union of North America, The National Labor Office of Blue Cross and Blue Shield, North Coast Area Labor Federation, Ohio Federation of Teachers, United Labor Agency, United Steelworkers.
