November 2025 Labor Law Updates for Birmingham, Alabama
This blog post highlights key labor and employment law developments in Alabama for November 2025 — including new court decisions and important employment-related legal actions. It’s written for employees, HR professionals, and compliance leaders, and brought to you by HKM Employment Attorneys.
For Alabama employers and employees, November 2025 included significant labor law developments — especially on workers’ compensation fee regulation and a prominent racial discrimination appeal in federal court. As legal standards evolve, employers should review policies on compensation, workplace grooming, and compliance with anti-discrimination law. If you have questions or need assistance navigating these changes, contact HKM Employment Attorneys for expert guidance.
Carter-Shepherd v. Royal Furniture Company and State of Alabama — Court Ruling
Date: November 7, 2025
Type: Court Ruling (Workers’ Compensation / Constitutional Law)
Summary:
In Carter-Shepherd v. Royal Furniture Co. and State of Alabama, the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals affirmed a Jefferson County Circuit Court’s decision rejecting an employee’s constitutional challenge to a statutory cap on attorney fees in workers’ compensation cases. The challenge argued that the fee cap — which limits attorney fees to 15% of the compensation awarded — violates the Alabama Constitution’s separation-of-powers provision. The appellate court upheld the statute, emphasizing legislative power to regulate such fees and noting courts still have discretion within the cap.
Implications:
This ruling underscores judicial deference to legislative regulation of statutory fee structures in workers’ compensation matters, reinforcing that Alabama courts will uphold statutory limits so long as they don’t clearly violate constitutional separation-of-powers principles. Workers’ compensation claimants and their counsel should be mindful that fee caps remain enforceable and constitutional under current Alabama law.
Eleventh Circuit Oral Argument — Racial Discrimination Case Involving Grooming Policy
Date: November 19, 2025 (oral argument)
Type: Federal Court Proceedings (Employment Discrimination)
Summary:
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit heard oral argument in a racial discrimination appeal arising from a workplace grooming policy at a Hyundai facility in Montgomery, Alabama. The case involves allegations that a grooming policy banning dreadlocks — which the plaintiff claims disproportionately impacts Black employees — may constitute race discrimination under federal law. The panel examined whether such seemingly “race-neutral” policies can have a disparate impact under Title VII.
Implications:
The court’s eventual decision could significantly impact employer grooming and appearance policies in Alabama and throughout the Eleventh Circuit. A finding that policies with disparate impact violate Title VII could expand protections related to workplace dress and grooming standards. Employers should evaluate current policies for potential disparate impact issues and prepare for possible guidance on how federal courts treat such claims.
Appointment of New Human Resources Director, Alabama Department of Workforce
Date: November 24, 2025
Type: Administrative Appointment (Workforce Agency)
Summary:
The Alabama Department of Workforce announced the appointment of Keisha Crenshaw as its new Human Resources Director. In this role, Crenshaw will oversee HR functions and employee training within the agency, with a stated focus on improving workforce development and enhancing the employee environment.
Implications:
While not a legal ruling, this change in leadership at Alabama’s primary workforce agency may influence enforcement priorities, workforce training initiatives, and internal HR practices. Employers and HR professionals should monitor any policy guidance or administrative changes emerging from the Department.
Conclusion: Looking Back on Alabama Labor Law Updates from November 2025
In light of Alabama court decisions involving wage and hour violations, contract disputes, discrimination, and whistleblower protections, local representation matters more than ever. At HKM Employment Attorneys in Birmingham, our largest plaintiff-side employment law team handles breach of contract, non-compete agreements, unpaid wages, and many more areas of employment and labor law. With award‑winning contract review, earnings recovery, and confidential, no‑fee‑unless‑we‑win advocacy, our Birmingham attorneys are equipped to translate recent case law into actionable legal strategies. If these stories hit home, don’t hesitate to contact our Birmingham office to explore how we can protect your rights locally
