Unions - Alabama

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Alabama has no substantial laws differing from the National Labor Relations Act or Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act regarding unions in private sector employment.

Right to work

Alabama does have a right to work law. Workers may choose to join a union or decline to do so. The state prohibits employers from requiring any person, as a condition of employment or continuation of employment, to pay any dues, fees or other charges of any kind to any labor union or labor organization.

It is also unlawful for any labor organization to collect, receive or demand, directly or indirectly, from any person, any fee, as a work permit or as a condition for the privilege of work.

Similarly, is unlawful for employers and labor unions to deny the right to work of non union members, or make membership a condition of employment.

Membership

It is unlawful for any executive, administrative, professional or supervisory employee to be a member in any labor organization that permits membership to employees other than those in executive, administrative, professional or supervisory capacities (or which is affiliated with any such labor organization).

Filing

Every labor organization functioning in Alabama must file a copy of its constitution and its bylaws and a copy of the constitution and bylaws of the national or international union, if any, to which the labor organization belongs, with the Department of Labor.

Every labor organization functioning in the State of Alabama and having 25 or more members in any calendar year must file annually (or within 90 days after the close of the organization’s fiscal year), with every member of their respective labor organizations and with the Commissioner of the Department of Labor, a report in writing showing certain facts.

Interference with business and industry

Alabama provides penalties for interference, etc., with peaceable exercise of lawful industry, business, etc.

Secret ballots

Alabama requires the use of secret ballots in representation elections. An amendment to Amendment 579 to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, which is now Section 177 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, provides that "the right of individuals to vote for public office, public votes on referenda, or votes on employee representation by secret ballot is fundamental."

State

Contact

National Labor Relations Board Birmingham (Resident Office, Region 10)

Regulations

Title 25 Chapter 7, Code of Alabama

Amendment 579 to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901

Federal

ContactNational Labor Relations Board

Regulations29 U.S.C. §§ 151-16929 U.S.C. §401 et seq.