Workers at Alabama factory vote against union representation
The election results were certified by the National Labor Relations Board on May 15.
Mason Reed 
Workers at a Birmingham manufacturing facility have opted against union representation following a closely contested two-day election held earlier this month.
The Results
The vote took place at the Sherwin-Williams Packaging Coatings Group factory, located at 90 Carlson Rd. According to the National Labor Relations Board, the election saw a slim margin, with employees voting 36-35 against joining the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. The results were officially certified on May 15.
The election involved 83 eligible full-time and part-time production, maintenance, and quality employees, with 71 total ballots cast. As it stands, the NLRB has certified that no labor organization will serve as the exclusive representative for the bargaining unit, and no objections to the process have been filed.
Legal Perspectives
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation provided legal representation for employee Jacob Miller during the process. Mark Mix, president of the foundation, praised the outcome, stating that the employees exercised their right to move forward without the Boilermakers union. Mix also voiced broader criticisms of current NLRB policies regarding union certification.
Labor Trends in Alabama
This development arrives during a period of increased union-related activity across Alabama. Other notable recent efforts include the high-profile unionization drive at Amazon’s Bessemer fulfillment center, the prolonged strike at Warrior Met Coal, and ongoing efforts by employees to unionize Starbucks locations throughout the state.
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, which currently represents nearly 50,000 workers across industries such as manufacturing, mining, and shipbuilding, could not be immediately reached for comment by 205focus.com regarding the Sherwin-Williams vote.
