Senate Passed Legislation Affirming Alabama as a Right to Work State

The Alabama Senate has passed legislation reiterating Alabama’s position as a so-called “right-to-work” state.

Senators on Thursday passed the amendment 25 votes to 9. Alabama voters will now have the chance to approve the amendment at the ballot box.

Right-to-work states prohibit companies from requiring workers to pay union dues as a condition of employment.

Alabama law already has the prohibition, but Republicans said adding the amendment to the state Constitution will give businesses additional assurances.

In a debate on the Senate floor, Minority Leader Quinton Ross, a Democrat, called the amendment “asinine” and a waste of time and money. Ross says lawmakers have more important issues they should address.

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