Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has told the state’s automakers that they need to fix some of the issues that are contributing to union activity in the state’s auto plants.

That’s according to Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, who made the comments on “Capitol Journal” last Friday.

Speaking about several economic development issues, McNair said the recent push by the United Auto Workers to organize in Mercedes-Benz’s Vance factory, and the Hyundai plant in Montgomery, were inspired by shrinking union membership nationally.

“This is extremely concerning to us that outside the state, outside the South, organizers are coming into our state really trying to disrupt an industry that has really powered our state for so many decades,” McNair said.

Voting is scheduled to take place May 13 and 17 on whether workers at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) will join the UAW. Vote totals are expected May 17.

The union, which earlier this year committed $40 million to boost union membership in auto plants, began a whirlwind drive to enlist workers at Mercedes and Hyundai earlier this year.

Workers at Mercedes have cited two-tiered pay, temporary workers, and other issues as inspiring them to sign union cards.

Some have speculated that the recent vote by workers at a Chattanooga Volkswagen plant to unionize and a deal reached by UAW and Daimler Truck to avoid a strike indicate the union may win the Alabama Mercedes vote.

“We set an example for the entire South. I hope Mercedes in Tuscaloosa was paying attention to what we’re doing,” said Corey Hill, president of UAW Local 3520, which represents Daimler Truck workers in North Carolina, according to Reuters.

Questioned by host Todd Stacy, McNair said successful union drives in Alabama could mean layoffs, or automakers investing in other parts of the country or internationally.

“Our automakers have enjoyed incredible flexibility to meet the demands of their customers,” she said. “By having a union, it will slow that down.”

McNair, who became commerce secretary on Jan. 1, said Ivey has been in regular communication with the leadership of the auto factories where union activity has been happening.

“Gov. Ivey has been on the phone with both the leaders of Mercedes and Hyundai, and has said, ‘If there are issues, you need to fix this,’” McNair said.

“She’s been very bold in using her voice to encourage Mercedes and Hyundai to do what they need to do to be sure that this isn’t necessary…

“Could (work conditions) be better? Yes. This is a wake up for them to be responsive to the employees’ needs and listen to them. I think absolutely that needs to be done. But hopefully, we can do that on a one-to-one basis without a third party interfering,” she said.

McNair said demand for auto jobs, which pay more than the per capita state income, are still strong. There are more than 2,500 people with an application on file with Hyundai, she said.

McNair said the union drive has “gotten the attention of all manufacturers across all states.”

“It really is a wakeup to listen to your employees,” she said. “Nowadays, with the unemployment rate so low, companies are doing that, to keep good skilled workers, you’ve got to be a place of business that people want to come and work at.”