The United Automotive Workers (UAW) has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold a new election at a Mercedes-Benz factory in Alabama, after workers at the plant voted against joining the union in a recent election.
In the initial union election at the Mercedes factory in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, held last week, 56 percent of workers voted against UAW membership. However, the UAW has accused the automaker of engaging in union-busting tactics, including signage encouraging employees to vote against unionization. The UAW’s petition alleges a “relentless anti-union campaign” by Mercedes, including the firing of pro-union employees and regular anti-union meetings.
“We sincerely hoped the UAW would respect our team members’ decision,” said a Mercedes-Benz spokesperson, adding, “Throughout the election, we worked with the NLRB to adhere to its guidelines and we will continue to do so as we work through this process.”
The recent election saw 56 percent of roughly 4,687 votes cast against the Mercedes plant recognizing the UAW.
This development follows a similar union election at a Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where about 73 percent of employees voted in favor of joining the UAW last month. The UAW has also launched union campaigns at Tesla, Toyota, Hyundai, Rivian, and several other automakers, including Volkswagen and Mercedes.
Last year, the UAW organized six-week strikes against Ford, General Motors (GM), and Stellantis, resulting in record wage increases for employees in contract negotiations. UAW President Shawn Fain has indicated that the union hopes to see a broader representation of automakers, beyond the traditional “Big Three,” at the bargaining table in the future.
The NLRB will now review the UAW’s petition and decide whether to hold a new election at the Mercedes-Benz factory in Alabama.
