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Alabama Mercedes Workers Will Vote To Join UAW

By Nithya Bose in Business News, posted April 8, 2024

Workers at the Mercedes factory in Alabama have initiated steps towards unionization by pushing for a vote to join the United Auto Workers.

The move came after most of the plant's 5,000 employees expressed interest in forming a union.

UAW announced over half had signed cards indicating this interest.

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has been petitioned to facilitate this factory-wide ballot.

The facility in Tuscaloosa is at the forefront of the UAW's effort to make inroads into the auto manufacturing sector in the South, traditionally dominated by non-unionized plants.

UAW has traditionally represented workers from Detroit's Big Three: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis.

The union targets several southern state factories, including a Volkswagen plant in Tennessee scheduled for a vote soon, and extends to Tesla, Honda, and Toyota facilities.

A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson said the firm respects the workers' choice to unionize.

The company said: “We look forward to participating in the election process to ensure every Team Member has a chance to cast their own secret-ballot vote, as well as having access to the information necessary to make an informed choice.”

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Historically, the UAW's attempts to establish a foothold in southern auto factories have faced resistance from local political figures and some workers.

However, the union is optimistic about recent significant contract wins with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis.

It secured big pay raises for its members and a shifting perspective on unionization among younger workers, enhancing its appeal in these regions.

Launching its southern campaign last year, the UAW aimed to gather support through signed interest cards from employees.

UAW said a "supermajority" of Mercedes workers had signed cards.

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