Alabama House Approves Bill Targeting Businesses That Voluntarily Recognize Unions Without Secret Ballot Elections

By Trisha Andrada

Apr 24, 2024 05:47 AM EDT

Alabama legislators passed a measure on Tuesday, April 23, which may block financial incentives to businesses that willingly recognize unions rather than implementing a secret ballot election.

The Senate approved the law with minor revisions by the Alabama House of Representatives, which subsequently voted 72-30 in favor of it. Following the House's amendments, the measure will move back to the Alabama Senate for further consideration.

The proposal is introduced at a time when several governors from the South are fighting against efforts of unionization at auto manufacturers.

Secret Ballot Union Elections Required to Maintain Getting Financial Benefits

According to The Associated Press, the bill states that companies would no longer be able to receive economic development incentives if they willingly recognize a union upon the return of union authorization cards, a procedure frequently referred to as "card check-off." In order for the employer to keep receiving financial rewards, a secret ballot vote on unionization would have to take place.

Republican Representative Scott Stadthagen made it clear that the goal is not to outlaw unions but rather to provide workers with the option to vote in private.

Reportedly, companies that have previously formed unions will not be impacted by the Alabama legislation.

The Proposal Might Go Against Another Labor Law

However, this plan might be at odds with the National Labor Relations Act, which controls union organizing and permits employers to freely recognize unions with majority support.

"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 Representative Napoleon Bracy stated.