Union success in Alabama increasing the support for labor in the South

Co-host of The Valley Labor Report, Adam Keller, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to talk about their live, in-person event, Labor Talk Live. Keller also talked about the information and calls they’ve received from UAW members involved in the strikes and a new segment and newsletter known as Last Week in Southern Labor.

The Valley Labor Report held a live, in-person panel discussion about organizing in the South, Labor Talk Live. The group of panelists was preceded by a local comedian, consisting of multi-generational members within the labor movement in Northern Alabama. They served only Union beer during the event and focused on the idea of “Union” not being a dirty word. Keller discussed the community's reaction to the event and some guests who participated. There’s already been a request for another event in the Spring of 2024, and details will be released as they become available.

The UAW’s targeted strike has been a regular discussion on TVLR, with several members involved in the strikes calling into the show to discuss the momentum and positivity UAW’s workers are feeling as the strike continues. Keller said several callers have talked about the importance and excitement of Sean Fain’s daily Facebook live updates. It’s every person’s right to be fairly compensated, and to see a battle like this has many workers excited for the future of their workplace. Keller hopes the UAW momentum makes its way to facilities in the South and inspires non-union workers to seek a union and improve their workplace.

The TVLR has recently begun putting out a segment and newsletter highlighting events from the previous week relating to labor in the South. This segment, known as Last Week in Southern Labor, tracks new union filings, elections, strikes and other updates across the South. Keller found a lack of updates on events in the Southern labor movement, and TVLR hopes to fill that gap with the segment and newsletter. Without knowing and hearing about wins across the South, many other workers could be afraid to seek Union representation. By providing this coverage, Keller hopes to alleviate these fears.

To hear more from Keller and union happenings in the South, press play on the episode above.