UAW Seeks New Unionization Vote At Mercedes' Alabama Plant

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is seeking a new election at a Mercedes-Benz plant in Alabama after losing a vote there last week, according to a petition recently filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Nora Eckert reported for Reuters.

The UAW lost when about 56% of the nearly 5,000 workers at the Vance, Alabama plant and nearby battery factory voted against unionizing. I Photo: Carol M. Highsmith Wikimedia Commons

The union accused Mercedes of engaging in "a relentless anti-union campaign," including the firing of employees who were pro-union and holding frequent captive-audience meetings to spread anti-union views, according to the filing.

"We sincerely hoped the UAW would respect our team members’ decision. 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," a Mercedes spokesperson said.

The UAW lost when about 56% of the nearly 5,000 workers at the Vance, Alabama plant and nearby battery factory voted against unionizing.

It was a difficult setback for the labor group that was riding a historic win last month at a Volkswagen plant in Tennessee. The UAW in its filing said Mercedes' efforts to influence the vote constituted unfair labor practices and prevented a free choice by employees, warranting a new election.