Alabama Mercedes workers to vote on union representation

Thousands of Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama will vote in May to decide whether they want to be represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW).

The election will be held in person in Vance, Alabama, from May 13th to 17th. The National Labor Relations Board, which administers the vote, will count the votes on May 17.

The vote comes as about 4,300 workers at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are voting on union representation this week, with results expected to be announced Friday.

The development is part of the UAW’s push to unionize workers at auto manufacturing plants in southern states.

“Factory workers are preparing for this moment.” Jeremy Kimbrel said, Mercedes workers at the Alabama plant. “We’re ready to vote yes because we’re ready to get our fair share. We’re going to eliminate Alabama’s discount and replace it with something the state actually needs.” . Workers stand together and support our community.”

The UAW secured wage increases last year after a strike with the former “Big Three” automakers. The union reached agreements with Ford, General Motors and Stellantis in late October after a six-week strike.

Earlier this week, the governors of six southern states warned workers that by joining the UAW, they were jeopardizing their job security and “the values ​​by which we live.”

“As governors, we have a responsibility to speak up to our voters when we see special interests entering our state and threatening our jobs and the values ​​we live by,” the Republican governors said. Yes,” he said. Bill Lee (Tennessee), Kay Ivey (Alabama), Brian Kemp (Georgia), Tate Reeves (Michigan), Henry McMaster (South Carolina), Greg Abbott Written by (Texas).