Recap of 2023’s Union Growth in the South with The Valley Labor Report

Jacob Morrison, Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about the unprecedented growth his podcast has experienced in 2023. Morrison also discussed the impact the United Autoworkers organizing efforts have had on the South and his new position as President of the North Alabama Labor Council.

Three and a half years of talking about Labor in the South has been an incredible experience for Morrison. Morrison and fellow co-host, Adam Keller, have worked tirelessly to educate the public about Unions and the importance of a pro-labor workplace. After more than two years of steady growth, 2023 has seen an explosion of listeners to the show. Morrison said that he has seen more interest in Labor in the South, and he hopes to be able to continue the growth they’ve experienced and spread their pro-union message.

The UAW has announced a targeted organizing effort at auto plants in the South. There have already been a thousand union cards signed at the Volkswagen plant in Chatanooga, Tenn., Morrison said. He also shared the story of the Toyota plant in Huntsville, Ala. and their organizing efforts that are moving quickly. If successful, the UAW could double membership, and Morrison believes this is a huge moment for the labor movement.

Morrison recently was elected the President of the North Alabama Labor Council. The North Alabama Labor Council is one of seven councils in the state, along with the state labor federation. 2024 is a chance for Unions to continue the growth trends that began in 2023. In his new role, Morrison hopes to lead the charge for educating workers on the benefits and importance of unions in North Alabama.

For more from Morrison, please listen to the entire episode above.