Birmingham Mayor Woodfin Embraces Federal Good Jobs Principles

Birmingham Mayor Woodfin Agrees to Federal “Good Jobs Principles”

In a momentous announcement yesterday, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed his solid backing for the Department of Labor’s Good Jobs Principles. Present alongside him was Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su with various employers and union leaders also gracing the occasion.

Good Jobs Principles: An Overview

Introduced by the Department of Labor in 2022, the Good Jobs Principles are an eight-point commitment focusing on creating job opportunities and breaking down systemic barriers, particularly for the marginalized communities. The Principles emphasize justice-impacted individuals, single parents, and those dealing with housing-related struggles in Alabama and Birmingham alike.

In this context, Su remarked, “The Good Jobs Principles involve hiring from undervalued communities. It entails demolishing systemic barriers.” Su underlined that to embrace these Principles means “to be deliberate about linking all residents and workers of Alabama and Birmingham with good job opportunities.”

Mayor Woodfin’s Stance

Mayor Woodfin praised the initiative, stating, “As an employer, you must wake up each day, keeping in mind the best interests of the people you serve.” He added that he not only bears responsibility for the inhabitants of Birmingham, but also for the “three thousand plus employees” under his administration.

The Mayor further highlighted that “four out of ten able adults in the community are, regrettably, on the sidelines, not gainfully employed, indicating we still have a lot more to do.”

Acting Secretary of Labor Su’s Visit and Outlook

Su’s visit was part of her Good Jobs Summer Tour, during which she was scheduled to visit cities in seven states to discuss the work of the Department of Labor and encourage its Good Jobs Initiative. Su made it clear, “I am here because Birmingham matters. Alabama matters. It matters to me.”

On her recent trip to the newly unionized New Flyer plant in Anniston, Su reasonably extrapolated the workers’ new contract as an example of what’s feasible with proper collaboration and execution: “These types of jobs can and ought to be the roles of the future if do things together, and correctly.”

Jobs to Move America and Alabama Arise drew commendable praise from Su for making her trip “so rich and meaningful.” Jobs to Move America is an economic justice-oriented policy center known for advocating community benefits agreements and pro-labor public policy.

Future Outlook

Southern communications fellow with Jobs to Move America, Hailey Allen, emphasized that “public sector involvement and community advocacy are instrumental in influencing corporate practices, fostering fair labor standards, and cultivating partnerships benefiting both workers and communities.”

Allen further stated that “investments in facets like transportation, childcare, and training programs” will be crucial to achieving equitable growth.

In conclusion, the news of Birmingham Mayor Woodfin’s support for the Good Jobs Principles marks a significant step in the city’s engagement with federal labor initiatives. These efforts are expected to bring about groundbreaking changes in the job market, mainly benefiting marginalized communities.