Ala. Code § 25-4-113
The secretary shall, with the approval of the Governor, determine the number of employees needed for the efficient and economical performance of the functions and duties of administering this chapter. All positions in the administration of this chapter shall be filled subject to the provisions of the Merit System. The minimum standards that may be prescribed by the United States Secretary of Labor or his successor with respect to the selection and classification of officers and employees engaged in the performance of any of the functions and duties of the Department of Labor having to do with the administration of this chapter in this state shall be observed. The secretary shall fix the duties and powers of all persons thus employed, and may authorize any such person to do any act or acts which could lawfully be done by the secretary. The secretary, his employees and members of the board of appeals shall be immune from civil suits for damages in their individual capacities for acts in the performance of their duties under this chapter other than for wanton or malicious conduct.
Ala. Code § 25-4-113 (1975)