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.”
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. ⬇️ #alpolitics (1/3)
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) May 17, 2024
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).
Alabama’s auto workers can see straight through the UAW’s empty promises.
I hope Shawn Fain will remember, a southern man don’t need him around, anyhow!https://t.co/WjlIrqMESX
— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) May 17, 2024
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) said “Alabama is open for business!”
Great news for the state of Alabama and Mercedes employees.
Alabama is open for business! https://t.co/mDUpAQqt7X
— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) May 17, 2024
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) argued that unionization would lead to job losses.
This is great news for Alabama and for the employees at Mercedes. I fully believed that unionizing would ultimately lead to job losses and possible plant closure. All we have to do is look at what happened in Michigan over the decades. https://t.co/pOaXyxbNnU
— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) May 17, 2024
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) said, “the future of the auto industry in Alabama is bright!”
The future of the auto industry in Alabama is bright! https://t.co/p4sWXLxzok
— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) May 17, 2024
U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) said, “The UAW has no place in Alabama.”
Good.
The UAW has no place in Alabama. https://t.co/m5wAIabGbd
— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) May 17, 2024
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
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