Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 10, July 31, 2024
Section 480-1-1-.08 - Organization(1) Title 25, Code of Ala. 1975, establishes a "Department of Industrial Relations" to be headed by an officer known as the "Director of Industrial Relations."(2) Executive Office. The Director of Industrial Relations is also designated by statute to be Chief and in immediate charge of the Division of Employment Security which embraces employment service and unemployment compensation. The Director of Industrial Relations is appointed by and is responsible to the Governor and is a member of the Governor's cabinet. (a) The Assistant Director is also appointed by the Governor.(b) All other employees of the Department are appointed to their positions in accordance with the Merit System Laws established and maintained by the State Personnel Department.(c) Statute provides that the Director shall appoint under the Merit System Laws a full-time, salaried director of unemployment compensation and a full-time, salaried director of employment service.(3) Board of Appeals. The Board consists of three members appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by the Senate. One member of the Board, because of his previous employment or affiliations, is generally classified as a representative of employers. One member of the Board, because of his previous employment or affiliations, is generally classified as a representative of employees. The third member of the Board represents the interest of the public and is not generally classified as a representative of employers or employees. The member representing the public is the Chairman of the Board.(4) Advisory Council. The Governor appoints an Advisory Council of not less than nine members composed of equal numbers of employer representatives, employee representatives and members representing the public generally. These members should be representative of such interests due to their vocation, employment or affiliations. The Advisory Council serves at the pleasure of the Governor and without compensation; however, it is reimbursed for any necessary travel expenses. The department provides such clerical support, etc. as is required by the Council.(5) Board of Examiners. Members of the Board are appointed by the Governor and all hold Alabama Mine Foreman Certificates of Competency. The Board consists of three active practical miners, three operators of coal mines and one practicing mining engineer. The Chief of Mine Safety and Inspection serves as Ex Officio Chairman of the Board.(6) Veterans Employment Service. The Veterans Employment Service is attached in a liaison capacity to the staff of both the Director of Industrial Relations and the State Employment Service Director. All staff is federally employed by the U. S. Department of Labor.(7) Divisions. In addition to the divisions specifically established, the statute empowers the Director to establish such divisions as in his judgment may be necessary or desirable for the administration or enforcement of any law or any rule or regulation with which the Department of Industrial Relations is charged or the performance of any of its functions or duties. (a) Program Functions. The organization of the department includes the Employment Security Division (employment service and unemployment compensation), the Workmen's Compensation Division and the State Programs Division. The Employment Security Division is federally funded. The Workmen's Compensation Division is state funded. The State Programs Division is state and federally funded. Each of these divisions administers one or more programs, or portions thereof, as may be required by statute or rule or as the Director of Industrial Relations may from time to time determine appropriate for carrying out the department's responsibilities in an effective and efficient manner. Statute requires that the Director of Industrial Relations, acting as Chief of the Employment Security Division, coordinate employment service and unemployment compensation activities since these are interrelated programs. The Director of Industrial Relations assigns and coordinates all internal management duties and responsibilities to assure that all involved work in concert to achieve the common goals. Direct service to the public is generally initiated through local offices which may be designated as Unemployment Compensation Claims Offices, Employment Service Offices or Employment Security Offices (employment service and unemployment compensation), or as outstations, itinerant points or branch offices of any of the above or any other variation which offers the services determined by the Director of Industrial Relations to be appropriate in a particular location and to the extent determined appropriate at any given time considering the economic situation, budgetary constraints, and service area needs, all subject to adjustment as conditions change. All such offices provide assistance to the public relative to obtaining departmental services. Additionally, the public may proceed under the provisions of the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Administrative Code, Rule 480-1-2-.03. Author:
Ala. Admin. Code r. 480-1-1-.08
Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, § 25-2-8.