Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama voted Friday against joining the United Auto Workers (UAW), dealing a blow to a union hoping to expand in the South after last month’s success in Tennessee’s election. .
Workers at the Vance, Alabama, plant voted 2,642 to 2,045 against joining the union, according to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Approximately 5,100 autoworkers were eligible to participate.
The UAW hopes to continue its momentum in the South after scoring a historic victory in April at a Volkswagen plant in Tennessee, where about 73% of workers voted to join the union. It was.
The UAW has one week to challenge the results of Friday’s vote.
“Our goal throughout this process was to ensure that all eligible team members had the opportunity to participate in a fair election,” Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) said in a news release after announcing the vote. ” he said. “Thank you to all of our team members for asking questions, joining the discussion, and ultimately making their voices heard on this important issue.”
The UAW has filed unfair labor practice charges against the German manufacturer, accusing Mercedes of threatening workers and violating U.S. labor laws ahead of the contest.
If found liable, Mercedes could be forced to negotiate with the union under NLRB standards.
“They tried to paint the union in a bad light,” UAW President Sean Fein said, before adding, “We’re here to help people. That’s why we’re here. We We don’t need to intimidate or threaten anyone. We believe in democracy and in workers having a voice and making their own decisions.”
Undeterred by the results, Mr. Fein vowed that the UAW would continue its efforts across the country and eventually organize car manufacturing plants, including a plant in Vance that produces luxury SUVs.
“Sometimes Goliath wins the battle, but ultimately David will win the war,” Fein said at a press conference after Friday’s announcement.
“These workers will get the rights they deserve and we will work with them every step of the way. We have been here before and we know what we are getting into. The company, like most others, is doing well. [of] Same strategy, fear, threat, intimidation. ”
Despite the defeat, Mr Fain said the union would continue to “fight” and move forward in hopes of further organizing in the South, a region that has historically been less welcoming to unions. .
Along the way, the UAW faced political opposition from leaders in various southern states.
Six governors warned workers in mid-April that joining the UAW would affect their jobs and “the values we live by.”
Mr. Fein’s union spearheaded strikes against three major former automakers last year. Ultimately, after a six-week strike, they were able to reach agreements with all three automakers in October: General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.
“We’ll go back, we’ll go back, we’ll evaluate things, see where we are and keep moving,” Fain said.
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