UAW Asks for New Union Vote Over Alleged Intimidation at Mercedes Plant

The United Auto Workers want another shot at unionizing the Mercedes plant in Tuscaloosa County and have asked the National Labor Relations Board for a new vote after workers at the plant declined to join earlier this month.

As the Thread previously reported, the UAW lost the vote at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International last week, with about 55 percent of voting workers declining to join the union. 

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UAW President Shawn Fain said after the final votes were counted that the fight for MBUSI wasn't over, and a week later, it appears the UAW is eager for Round Two.

According to a report from the Associated Press, the UAW claims Mercedes fired pro-union workers and allowed anti-union workers to solicit during work hours at the plant but denied the same opportunity to pro-UAW employees.

The Associated Press said the NLRB has received and is reviewing the objection. Although it is far from a guaranteed outcome, it could lead to another election being held at the plant.

A spokesperson for MBUSI provided the Thread a statement after the publication of this article.

"Over 90 percent of Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) Team Members made their voices heard through a secret-ballot vote and the majority indicated they are not interested in being represented by the UAW for purposes of collective bargaining. 

Our goal throughout this process was to ensure every eligible Team Member had the opportunity to participate in a fair election. 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. 

Meanwhile, we will work directly with our Team Members on measures to ensure we remain an employer of choice and provide a safe and supportive work environment.  We want to continue to build on and enhance the success this plant has achieved over the past 25+ years to continue building superior vehicles for the world while also focusing on our people."

For the entire AP report, read here, and for more on the ongoing developments at MBUSI as the union continues its efforts to earn support there.