Governor Kay Ivey was in the Rocket City on Monday afternoon for a sold-out state luncheon hosted by Huntsville/Madison County Chamber before a crowd of over 1,000. In her remarks, Ivey immediately spoke about automotive manufacturing and its importance to the state.
“When we think about what drives our success as a state, an industry that comes to mind is one of our crown jewel industries, automotive manufacturing,” she said.
The Governor addressed the ongoing effort by the UAW to unionize the Mercedes Benz plant in Vance, near Tuscaloosa.
“Let me make something real clear,” Ivey told the room. “Alabama is not Michigan. Huntsville and Tuscaloosa, they’re not Detroit. While other automakers have closed plants and had layoffs, those here in Alabama have continued to grow and thrive.”
“As Governor, its my priority to keep it that way.”
Gov. Ivey announced she signed Senate Bill 231, sponsored by State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and State Rep. Scott Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) that will ensure the privacy of ballots cast in unionization votes.
“This week in Tuscaloosa, starting today through Friday, we have a secret ballot taking place at the Mercedes plant. It’s my hope that every worker there votes. It’s crucial that every voice is heard.”
RELATED: Alabama House passes bill protecting workers’ right to secret ballot in union elections
“We want to ensure that Alabama values, not Detroit values, continue to define the future of our great state.”
“I was proud to sign Senate Bill 231 into law. This bill, brought forward by North Alabama’s own Senator Arthur Orr, will require that any business that receives incentives hold an election by secret ballot. Yall, this is only right so that every vote is counted.”
“My message is clear. I’m standing up for Alabamians and protecting our jobs.”
She vowed that Alabama would continue to be defiant in the face of ongoing unionization efforts from interests in Detroit.
“We will not let this threat from Detroit deter our progress, deter our hope, and deter our folks’ prosperity.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
