Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama have rejected union representation by the United Auto Workers (UAW), dealing a setback to the UAW’s organizing efforts. The UAW had recently achieved success in organizing roughly 4,330 Volkswagen plant workers in Tennessee. However, in the Mercedes-Benz vote, 56% of the workers, or 2,642 individuals, voted against the UAW. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) oversaw the election, and it reported that more than 90% of the eligible workers participated in the voting process.
The NLRB also mentioned that 51 challenged ballots were not counted, but they were not determinative in influencing the election outcome. Additionally, five void ballots were reported. Both the union and the company have five business days to file any objections to the election, including allegations of interference. If no objections are raised, the election result will be certified, and the union will have to wait for a year before filing for a union election for a similar bargaining unit.
The UAW’s loss in the Mercedes-Benz vote is expected to impact its ongoing organizing drive of 13 non-union automakers in the United States. Last year, the UAW secured record contracts with Detroit automakers, including Ford Motor, General Motors, and Stellantis. These contracts brought significant wage increases, reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments, and other benefits for union workers. However, the challenge at Mercedes-Benz was anticipated to be tougher than at the Volkswagen plant in Tennessee, where the UAW had previously attempted two unsuccessful organizing drives.
Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa plant, located approximately 60 miles southwest of Birmingham, has been operational since 1997 and has produced over 4 million vehicles to date. In 2023 alone, the plant manufactured 295,000 vehicles. The Alabama plant currently produces various vehicles, including gas-powered GLE and GLS Maybach SUVs, as well as all-electric EQS and EQE SUVs.
In addition to the election results, the NLRB revealed that it is processing and investigating open unfair labor practice charges filed by the UAW against several automakers, including Mercedes-Benz. Since March, the UAW has filed six unfair labor practice charges against Mercedes-Benz. These charges include allegations of disciplining employees for discussing unionization, prohibiting the distribution of union materials, surveilling employees, discharging union supporters, forcing employees to attend captive audience meetings, and making statements suggesting that union activity is futile. The UAW has also filed charges against Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Rivian, Tesla, and Toyota.
Overall, the rejection of union representation by Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama is a significant setback for the UAW’s organizing efforts. It highlights the challenges faced by unions in expanding their membership and influence in the automotive industry. The outcome of this vote will likely impact the UAW’s future organizing efforts and may require them to reassess their strategies moving forward.
