Alabama House Majority Leader Scott Stadhagen spoke to the Alabama Business Council on Tuesday about the UAW's looming threat to Alabama's “crown jewel” industry.

In his speech, Rep. Stadthagen (R-Hartselle) drew on his own experience to explain the seriousness of the situation the state's auto manufacturing industry is currently facing.

“I'm really passionate about this,” Stathagen said. “Last year I spoke about how I was raised. I was raised by a single mother who worked in a factory. I worked shifts my whole life. So I know what it takes to work hard and be successful.”

Stadthagen went on to elaborate on his mother's inspiring work ethic.

“I saw how my mother worked. I know the struggles she had, working shifts, night shifts, day shifts, to put her kids through school,” he said. “She wanted to live the American dream. She wanted to provide for her family. She wanted my sister and me to have a roof over our heads and food on the table.”

Stadthagen praised those in attendance for continuing to bring about the economic growth the state is currently thriving on.

“This organization, BCA, Manufacturing Alabama and just about everyone in this room have all contributed to the success of this business-friendly state. It's taken decades of hard work to get to where we are today.”

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He said the UAW is trying to manipulate Alabama workers.

“The UAW comes in, looks at us, and tries to take advantage of the opportunities this room has created for hard-working Alabamians. The UAW comes in and gives hard-working Alabamians dreams that will never come true, but what they do is take advantage of them.”

“They're going to make empty promises that they can't keep,” Stadthagen declared. “They're going to make them a part of something and actually take from them instead of giving.”

“Just think about that for a second. They're going to take something from the workers of Alabama and give them nothing. At the end of the day, it's going to bring nothing but smoke and destruction.”

The House Majority Leader said he plans to continue resisting UAW organizing efforts in Alabama.

“All the work that this association has done over the decades has been wasted,” Stadthagen said. “That's the problem we're facing. That's how serious it is.”

“I'm on the rooftop fighting and I'm never backing down.”

Austin Shipley is a staff writer for Yellow Hammer News.