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Report
The State of Working Alabama 2023 – Section 7: A wheel in the ditch — Working conditions worsen
Aside from declining wages and occupational segregation, some of Alabama’s auto employers are falling short with conditions on the factory floor. Specifically, media coverage and interviews with autoworkers at numerous facilities revealed the following problems with working conditions in Alabama’s auto plants: - The tiered wage system. In an effort to reduce costs and increase profits, [...]
Report
The State of Working Alabama 2023 – Section 8: The auto industry and Alabama’s low-road economic development approach
Alabama’s big bet on the auto industry has only partially paid off, as wages drop and working conditions deteriorate at some facilities. In contrast to the sunny stories told by auto industry boosters, the industry’s shortcomings reveal broader shortcomings in the state’s overall approach to economic development, which still often embodies the low-road mindset of a [...]
Report
The State of Working Alabama 2023 – Section 9: What we should do next
Automakers, policymakers, community stakeholders, workers and unions all have critical roles to play in making sure the auto industry benefits its workers and the entire state to the greatest extent possible. Below are some recommendations that would strengthen Alabama’s auto industry and help the state build a more prosperous economy that makes life better for every [...]
Report
The State of Working Alabama 2023 – Appendix: Research design and methodology
How we define the ‘auto industry’ In this study, we confined our definition of the auto industry to the three industries that conduct auto manufacturing (as opposed to other auto-related activities): NAICS 3361 – Motor Vehicle Manufacturing NAICS 3362 – Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing NAICS 3363 – Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing Taken together, [...]
Blog
Alabama Arise, worker advocates celebrate progress
Alabama Arise is working on multiple fronts to improve life for working Alabamians. As part of our ongoing Worker Power Project, we held an Oct. 26 convening in Montgomery with around 20 worker advocacy groups and organized labor partners from across the state. Attendees met to discuss building and implementing a state agenda to build [...]
Blog
Three strategies to boost Alabama’s workforce
Alabama leaders and policymakers are stressing about one big issue going into the 2024 legislative session: labor force participation. Alabama’s labor force participation rate is among the nation’s lowest. Only 57% of working-age adults reported they were actively working or looking for jobs as of September 2023. We also have a severe worker shortage, with [...]
Blog
Here’s what Alabama Arise heard from you in summer 2023!
Alabama Arise listens because we deeply value the input we get from members, partners and most importantly, those directly affected by the work we do together. We depend on what we hear to help guide our issue work and our strategies. We held three statewide online events this summer: two Town Hall Tuesdays and one [...]
Blog
2023 was a momentous session on Alabama Arise policy priorities
June 6 ended one of the most significant legislative sessions ever for Alabama Arise and our supporters. Through timely and persistent advocacy, Arise members helped build a better, more equitable Alabama. While our work continues, we want to highlight the many important strides this year in our movement for a better Alabama for all – [...]
Blog
Join us for Town Hall Tuesdays!
Listening has been the key to shaping and advancing public policies that matter most to those suffering because of bad policies. We listened to continued demands to untax groceries in Alabama and realized an important victory this year. Together, we supported the passage of legislation that will reduce the state sales tax on groceries from [...]
Fact Sheet
What would an ideal plan to untax groceries in Alabama look like?
Several tax bills (including grocery tax cut bills) will be discussed this year in the Alabama Legislature. What makes a tax reform bill good for Alabamians? Here are four important factors to keep in mind: It provides a tax cut for families with low incomes (not just wealthy households). Alabama’s state sales tax on groceries [...]