Political leaders in Alabama are reacting to the recent anti-union vote at the Mercedes plant in Vance, Alabama, where 2,045 votes were in favor of United Auto Workers (UAW) representation and 2,642 were against, according to the final vote certified by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

“Justice isn't just about one vote or one campaign,” UAW President Sean Fain said following the defeat. “Justice is about having a voice and getting your fair share. Labor has won big things in this campaign, and we must never forget that… This is a David versus Goliath fight. Sometimes Goliath wins the fight, but ultimately David will win the war.”

Vance workers spoke out. And they spoke loud and clear. Alabama is not Michigan and we are not Sweet Home for the UAW. We call on the UAW to honor the results of this secret ballot election. ⬇️ #AlPolitics (1/3)

— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) May 17, 2024

Many elected officials across the Yellow Hammer State praised the workers' majority decision. “The workers at Vance spoke out. And they spoke out loud and clear. Alabama is not Michigan, and we are not Sweet Home for the UAW. We call on the UAW to honor the results of this secret ballot election,” Gov. Kay Ivey said Friday.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth believes the vote will “ensure we continue to recruit long-term, good-paying, 21st century jobs for years to come.”

Alabama has a long history as a right-to-work state, and the defeat of the UAW union drive at Mercedes continues our tradition. By preventing the union from gaining ground here, we can continue to recruit long-term, good-paying, 21st century jobs for years to come.

— Will Ainsworth (@willainsworthAL) May 17, 2024

“Alabama autoworkers are quick to see through the UAW's empty promises,” said Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saxe).

Alabama autoworkers are quick to see through the UAW's empty promises.

I hope Sean Fain remembers, Southern men don't need him anyway!https://t.co/WjlIrqMESX

— Mike Rogers (@RepMikeRogersAL) May 17, 2024

“Alabama is open for business!” said Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover).

Great news for the state of Alabama and Mercedes employees.

Alabama is back in business! https://t.co/mDUpAQqt7X

— Gary Palmer (@USRepGaryPalmer) May 17, 2024

Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) argued that unionization would lead to job losses.

This is great news for the state of Alabama and for Mercedes workers. I was convinced that unionizing would ultimately result in job losses and possible plant closures — just look at what happened in Michigan for decades. https://t.co/pOaXyxbNnU

— Robert Aderholt (@Robert_Aderholt) May 17, 2024

“The future is bright for Alabama's auto industry!” said Congressman Barry Moore (R-Enterprise).

The future is bright for Alabama's automotive industry! https://t.co/p4sWXLxzok

— Rep. Barry Moore (@RepBarryMoore) May 17, 2024

“There is no place for the UAW in the state of Alabama,” said U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile).

good.

There is no place for the UAW in Alabama. https://t.co/m5wAIabGbd

— Rep. Jerry Carl (@RepJerryCarl) May 17, 2024

Yaffe is a contributing writer for Yellow Hammer News and hosts “The Yaffe Program” weekdays from 9-11 a.m. WhistlerYou can follow us on Twitter @Yaffe