Current:Home > NewsAlabama lawmakers OK bill blocking state incentives to companies that voluntarily recognize unions -BeyondProfit Compass
Alabama lawmakers OK bill blocking state incentives to companies that voluntarily recognize unions
View
Date:2025-04-17 19:49:56
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers voted Tuesday to withhold economic incentive dollars from companies that voluntarily recognize a union instead of holding a secret ballot election.
The Alabama House of Representatives voted 72-30 for the Senate-passed bill after adding minor amendments. The bill now returns to the Alabama Senate where senators will decide whether to go along with House changes to the bill.
The legislation, which would impact future incentive packages, comes as multiple Southern governors oppose a unionization push directed at auto manufacturers that have been lured to the South with the help of large incentive packages. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed similar legislation on Monday. Tennessee has a similar law in place.
The measure says that companies would be ineligible for economic development incentives if they voluntarily recognize a union after a majority of employees return union-authorization cards — a process sometimes called “card check-off.” A secret ballot election over creating a union would be required for the company to remain eligible for economic incentives.
“It doesn’t stop unions. It just gives the employee the right to vote in private,” Republican Rep. Scott Stadthagen said during debate.
Opponents argued that the proposal could be in conflict with the National Labor Relations Act, which governs union organizing, and allows companies to voluntarily recognize unions that show support from a majority of employees.
“I think we’re going down a slippery slope by saying that we’re going to dangle this carrot over your head, saying that we’re going to take away any opportunity that you have for economic benefits in this state if you do any of these things,” Democratic Rep. Napoleon Bracy said during debate.
A telephone message to the Alabama AFL-CIO about the bill was not immediately returned.
The Alabama proposal does not affect companies that are already unionized.
veryGood! (7756)
Related
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- McCarthy says he supports House resolutions to expunge Trump's impeachments
- Here's How Succession Ended After 4 Seasons
- A look at Titanic wreck ocean depth and water pressure — and how they compare to the deep sea as a whole
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Inside the Love Lives of the Stars of Succession
- U.S. Energy Outlook: Sunny on the Trade Front, Murkier for the Climate
- Cause of death for Adam Rich, former Eight is Enough child star, ruled as fentanyl
- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow owns a $3 million Batmobile Tumbler
- Here's What's Coming to Netflix in June 2023: The Witcher Season 3, Black Mirror and More
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Two New Studies Add Fuel to the Debate Over Methane
- Go Inside Paige DeSorbo's Closet Packed With Hidden Gems From Craig Conover
- Ashlee Simpson Shares the Secret to Her and Evan Ross' Decade-Long Romance
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- What were the mysterious banging noises heard during the search for the missing Titanic sub?
- In Texas, a rare program offers hope for some of the most vulnerable women and babies
- What Happened to Natalee Holloway: Breaking Down Every Twist in the Frustrating Case
Recommendation
Paige Bueckers vs. Hannah Hidalgo highlights women's basketball games to watch
The hospital bills didn't find her, but a lawsuit did — plus interest
More brides turning to secondhand dresses as inflation drives up wedding costs
How many miles do you have to travel to get abortion care? One professor maps it
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Cause of death for Adam Rich, former Eight is Enough child star, ruled as fentanyl
Here's What's Coming to Netflix in June 2023: The Witcher Season 3, Black Mirror and More
Just hours into sub's journey, Navy detected sound consistent with an implosion. Experts explain how it can happen.