Alabama’s political leaders are reacting to the recent vote against unionization at a Mercedes plant in Vance, Alabama. According to the final vote certified by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), 2,045 votes were cast in favor of United Auto Worker (UAW) representation, while 2,642 votes were cast against.

“Justice isn’t just about one vote or one campaign,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in response to the loss. “It’s about getting a voice and getting your fair share. Workers won serious gains in this campaign. Don’t lose sight of that…It’s a David versus Goliath fight. Sometimes Goliath wins a battle, but ultimately David will win the war.”

https://twitter.com/GovernorKayIvey/status/1791561603818590358

Many elected officials across the Yellowhammer State praised the decision by the majority of the workers. “The workers in Vance have spoken, and they have spoken clearly! Alabama is not Michigan, and we are not the Sweet Home to the UAW. We urge the UAW to respect the results of this secret ballot election,” Governor Kay Ivey said on Friday.

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth believes this vote “allows us to continue recruiting long-lasting, high-paying, 21st Century jobs for many years to come.”

Alabama has a long history as a right to work state, and with the defeat of UAW's union effort at Mercedes, our tradition continues. Stopping unions from gaining a foothold here allows us to continue recruiting long-lasting, high-paying, 21st Century jobs for many years to come.

— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) May 17, 2024

“Alabama’s auto workers can see straight through the UAW’s empty promises,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks).

https://twitter.com/RepMikeRogersAL/status/1791561883293516119

U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) said “Alabama is open for business!”

https://twitter.com/USRepGaryPalmer/status/1791564608068530503

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) argued that unionization would lead to job losses.

https://twitter.com/Robert_Aderholt/status/1791559159374037396

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) said, “the future of the auto industry in Alabama is bright!”

https://twitter.com/RepBarryMoore/status/1791560177549779418

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) said, “The UAW has no place in Alabama.”

https://twitter.com/RepJerryCarl/status/1791558921594773874

Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on Twitter @Yaffee