In May, Alabama Mercedes Factory Workers Will Vote on UAW Representation

DETROIT — A significant development is taking place at the Mercedes-Benz factory located near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as thousands of workers are preparing to vote on potential representation by the United Auto Workers union next month. This vote is scheduled to be held from May 13-17 at the facilities in Vance and Woodstock, Alabama, with the National Labor Relations Board overseeing the process and announcing the results on May 17.

The decision to conduct the election was mutually agreed upon by both the company and the union. This vote will mark the second instance in the UAW’s campaign to organize approximately 150,000 workers at multiple nonunion auto manufacturing plants, primarily situated in Southern states. Another ongoing representation vote is currently underway at Volkswagen’s factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with the outcome set to be disclosed on Friday.

This union organizing initiative follows the successful negotiation of substantial pay raises by the UAW for workers at Detroit’s major automakers during last fall’s strike. With approximately 6,100 employees at the Mercedes facilities as of the end of 2023, more than 5,000 workers are seeking the opportunity to vote on union representation, as reported by the UAW.

In response to the petition submitted by workers, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International has expressed its full respect for the choices made by its team members regarding unionization. The company has pledged to facilitate a fair voting process for all employees, ensuring access to relevant information to enable an informed decision during the election.

However, the UAW has leveled accusations of anti-union practices against Mercedes management, leading to the filing of federal labor charges in recent weeks. Additionally, the governors of six Southern states, including Alabama and Tennessee, released a joint statement earlier this week cautioning workers about potential job risks associated with voting for a union.

This ongoing situation at the Mercedes-Benz factory underscores the complexities involved in union representation within the automotive industry, highlighting the significant impact it can have on both workers and management.