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Workforce

Montgomery residents make up an internationally recognized workforce. Many factors contribute to the Montgomery area’s desirable labor force. From the 14-county labor area with a civilian labor force of over 330,000 workers to the exceptionally low rate of worker and company unionization, Montgomery’s labor force is abundant and inviting to any industry looking to relocate to the area. Area residents and both public and private agencies are committed to constant improvement of both K-12 and higher education as well as quality training programs to meet the demands of the ever-changing needs of local businesses.

In the Legislative session of 1953, Alabama passed the current Right-to-Work Act (Code of Alabama, 1955, Sections 25-5-30 thru 25-5-36). Alabama’s Right-to-Work laws mean that no employee can be made to join a union. This law provides that:

• The right of any person to work shall not be denied or abridged on account of membership or non-membership in any union

• Any agreement denying any person employment because of non-membership in any union is illegal

• No person shall be required to become or remain a member of any union as a condition of employment or continuation of employment, nor shall any person be required to abstain or refrain from membership in any union as a condition of employment or continuation of employment

• No employer shall require as a condition of employment or continuation of employment the payment of any dues, etc., to any union

• Any person who may be denied employment in violation of the Act may recover from such employer and others such damages as he may have sustained.

Alabama Wage Survey

The Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Market Information Division in cooperation with the Bureau of Labor Statistics supplied the data for the Alabama Wage Survey. The data is based on the May 2011 release of the Occupational Employment Report employment and wage estimate file. Click the link below to see the details for Montgomery.

Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Montgomery MSA Wage Survey

Workforce History

Please click the year to view workforce history:  

Civilian Labor Force 2013

 Sources: Alabama Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment 2013

 Sources: Alabama Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics

Unemployment Rate 2013

 Sources: Alabama Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics

Employment by Sector for the Montgomery Metro Area

 Sources: Alabama Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics, March 2013

Underemployed Persons

The counties in Region 7 have a labor pool of 36,000 workers.  This is a labor pool of 3.6 times the number of unemployed workers due to the large numbers of underemployed workers who are looking for better jobs.

Underemployed persons are workers who believe that their education and training, skills, or experience:

1. Are not fully utilized in their current jobs and
2. Qualify them for higher paying or more satisfying jobs for which they could leave their current positions.

Note: Based on January 2011 labor force data and 2010 underemployment rates.       
Source: Center for Business and Economic Research, University of Alabama

For further information contact the Chamber's Corporate Development staff at recruitment@montgomerychamber.com