Alabama Code Section 11-43-26 preempts cities and counties from setting local minimum wage rates, leaving the federal minimum wage as the floor statewide.
Code of Alabama Section 11-43-26, often referred to as the Minimum Wage and Right-to-Work Act, prohibits municipalities from establishing local minimum wage, paid leave, or other employment benefit mandates. The law was passed in 2016 in response to a Birmingham ordinance that raised the local minimum wage. Alabama has no state minimum wage statute, so the federal rate of 7.25 dollars per hour applies. Localities cannot require employers to pay more, offer paid sick leave, or impose scheduling rules.
Local minimum wage ordinances are preempted and void; localities risk legal challenge if enforced.
See how Madison's minimum wage preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.