---
title: Pandemic helps Local grow 50 percent as more workers turn to unions
description: The America’s Work Force Union Podcast is the nation’s premier daily labor program.  Stacey Mixson of the IBEW Local 1316 joined us on today’s show.
---

[America's Work Force Union Podcast ](https://awf.labortools.com/listen)

# [Pandemic helps Local grow 50 percent as more workers turn to unions](https://awf.labortools.com/listen/pandemic-helps-local-grow-50-percent-as-more-workers-turn-to-unions)

 Written by [awfblog](https://awf.labortools.com/listen/author/awfblog) | December 14, 2022

[The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1316](https://ibew1316.com/) Business Manager and Financial Secretary Stacey Mixson joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and discussed how his Local achieved 50 percent membership growth over the past three years.

Local 1316 represents 342 members in Macon, Ga.

The pandemic proved to be a catalyst for organizing, Mixson explained. It gave people throughout the nation time to think about what they wanted and deserved out of work, he said. COVID opened the union’s doors to many non-union electricians, he added.

The growth in membership was desperately needed, as 40 percent of the Local’s workforce will retire in the coming years, Mixson added. 

He also talked about the union organizing in the state as Georgia becomes more of a blue state and elects more union-friendly politicians.

Listen to the entire episode to learn more about these topics.

[View full post](https://awf.labortools.com/listen/pandemic-helps-local-grow-50-percent-as-more-workers-turn-to-unions)

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