Co-host and co-producer of The Valley Labor Report and Political Coordinator for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 900, Adam Keller, joined the America’s Work Force Union to provide a monthly update on labor in the South. Keller discussed a marathon fundraiser, the United Auto Workers' next priority and recent organizing wins featured on TVLR.
TVLR plans to support several striking workers by holding a 32-hour non-stop fundraiser. Their last effort raised over $70,000 for the strike fund of miners in Alabama, however, this effort will only be a digital fundraiser. The 32 hours represents the proposed 32-hour work week, and the goal is to ensure the workers on strike can receive the help they need. Guests have been announced on their website, and if you can afford to contribute, please visit TVLR.fm/strikefundraiser, or click the link.
Next on the agenda for the UAW are non-unionized car factories, primarily ones located in the South. Keller talked about the discussions being held by several workers at manufacturing plants that want to see the UAW make a push to unionize the auto industry in the South. According to Keller, they have received notice that there have already been inquiries into bringing the UAW to Alabama automotive facilities. He added that it’s only a matter of time before the South embraces unions and would bring a new middle class to the region.
There have been several organizing wins highlighted on TVLR recently. They have featured the first-ever video game company to be organized by IATSE, and the Marvel VFX workers, who were the very first video effects workers, also to be organized by IATSE. They also broke news about a new organizing campaign in Anniston, Ala. During their live coverage, they witnessed the first union card signing of the organizing campaign and interviewed the worker about what he hopes to gain from going union.
To hear more on the state of labor in the South, please listen to the episode above.