North Alabama Workers’ Agenda: A High-Road Vision for Our Cities

North Alabama’s growth should benefit working people, not just corporations and developers. Our Workers’ Agenda focuses on five priorities for cities: good public jobs, responsible economic development, strong public services, worker voice, and protecting workers’ rights.

1. Good Jobs in City Government

Cities should lead by example as employers by:

• Paying fair wages and strong, pro-family benefits
• Maintaining safe workplaces and fair scheduling
• Respecting workers’ right to organize
• Protecting retirement systems for public employees
• Investing in workforce training and advancement

2. Economic Development That Benefits Workers 

Public dollars should create good local jobs and community benefits. Cities should:

• Prioritize responsible contractors with fair wages and training programs
• Require transparency on jobs created through incentives
• Support apprenticeship and workforce training programs
• Encourage community benefits agreements
• Support locally owned worker-run businesses and employee ownership opportunities

3. Strong Public Services & Infrastructure

Strong communities require public investment. Cities should invest in:

• Early childhood education and pre-K
• Roads, public multi-modal transportation, and infrastructure
• Parks, recreation, and public spaces
• Services for underserved communities
• Public schools, libraries, and other public institutions

4. Worker Voice in Local Government

Working people deserve a seat at the table.

Cities should:

• Appoint workers and union members to boards and commissions
• Expand public input on development and budgeting decisions
• Create worker advisory boards
• Hold regular meetings with labor representatives
• Ensure local government, including law enforcement, is transparent and accessible to residents

5. Protect Workers’ Rights & Dignity

Cities should help protect workers from exploitation and abuse. Cities should:

• Ensure companies follow civil rights, labor and safety laws
• Promote workplace safety and fair labor practices
• Provide resources to report wage theft and labor violations
• Publicly support workers organizing for better conditions
• Support dignified housing and tenants’ rights
• Adopt a Workers’ Bill of Rights

Our Vision

North Alabama’s future should be built on respect for workers, with good jobs, thriving communities, and shared prosperity.

The North Alabama Area Labor Council looks forward to working with local leaders, unions, and community partners to build a stronger future for working families across North Alabama.