Thrifty Banker
  • Politics
  • Business
  • World
  • Investing
  • Politics
  • Business
  • World
  • Investing

Thrifty Banker

Business

UAW loses Alabama union vote seen as bellwether for organizing autoworkers in the South

by May 18, 2024
May 18, 2024
UAW loses Alabama union vote seen as bellwether for organizing autoworkers in the South

Workers at two Mercedes-Benz factories in Alabama have voted against joining the United Auto Workers, the largest autoworkers union in the U.S., a blow to an effort to strengthen the presence of organized labor in the South.

The Friday vote was seen as a bellwether for the ability of newly resurgent labor groups to successfully organize in a part of the country known for keeping union activity at bay.

The final count was 2,045 in favor and 2,642 against, according to the National Labor Relations Board.

In remarks following the vote, UAW President Shawn Fain praised the workers as ‘courageous’ but acknowledged the outcome as a ‘setback.’

‘They want justice. They lead us, they lead this fight. And that’s what this is all about,’ Fain said, adding the workers already won key concessions from Mercedes in the run-up to the vote.

‘Justice isn’t just about one vote or one campaign. It’s about getting a voice and getting your fair share,’ Fain said.

In a statement, Mercedes-Benz U.S. International Inc. said it was pleased that its workers were able to participate in a fair election.

‘We thank all Team Members who asked questions, engaged in discussions, and ultimately, made their voices heard on this important issue,’ the company said, adding: ‘We look forward to continuing to work directly with our Team Members to ensure MBUSI is not only their employer of choice, but a place they would recommend to friends and family.’

Republican officials led a vigorous campaign opposing the organizing effort. In the run-up to Friday’s vote, six Southern governors, all Republicans, led by Alabama’s Kay Ivey, warned about “special interests looking to come into our state and threaten our jobs and the values we live by.”

Alabama state lawmakers also passed a measure to deny state funding to companies that voluntarily recognize unions. The Republican speaker of the state’s House of Representatives, Nathaniel Ledbetter, has referred to the UAW as ‘a dangerous leech.’

“The forces opposing workers who want to organize a union are powerful and relentless, especially in the American South,” said Seth Harris, a law and policy professor at Northeastern University who previously served as President Joe Biden’s top labor policy adviser.

In a statement following the vote, Ivey praised the outcome.

“The workers in Vance have spoken, and they have spoken clearly!’ she said. ‘Alabama is not Michigan, and we are not the Sweet Home to the UAW.’

The UAW is also in the process of organizing a Hyundai factory in Montgomery, Ala., and recently won a union vote at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. It also scored new pay raises for other workers across the South employed by Daimler Truck, after those workers threatened to strike.

“The UAW’s organizing drive among nonunion auto workers will continue, and they will have other successes building on their victory at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but these election results show us that it is going to be a lengthy struggle in which workers will win some battles and lose some others,” Harris said.

Organizers had accused Mercedes of underpaying its workers, and the UAW filed multiple unfair labor practice complaints with the National Labor Relations Board.

In response to an inquiry from NBC News, Mercedes declined to comment on its pay structure but said that it ‘has a proven record of competitively compensating team members and providing many additional benefits.’

It also said it had not interfered with or retaliated against any worker in their right to pursue union representation, and that it was fully cooperating with authorities. 

‘Our primary focus at MBUSI is always to provide a safe and supportive work environment for our Team Members, so they can continue to build safe and superior vehicles for the world,’ the company said.  ‘We believe open and direct communication with our Team Members is the best path forward to ensure continued success.’

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
Wayfair to open its first large store, as physical locations make a comeback
next post
As Tesla layoffs continue, here are 600 jobs the company cut in California

Related Posts

UPS shares tank 15% after weak guidance, plan...

February 1, 2025

Ford to delay all-electric SUV to focus on...

April 5, 2024

Treasury Dept. will not enforce ownership information reporting...

March 4, 2025

Honda recalls thousands of hybrids over electrical issue...

December 22, 2023

Oil executives bluntly criticize Trump tariffs and ‘drill,...

March 28, 2025

Walmart to open or expand more than 150...

February 2, 2024

Are fears of a shoplifting surge running away...

November 13, 2023

Higher tax filing costs could take a bite...

February 3, 2024

Hertz says 2024 hack exposed some customers’ driver...

April 16, 2025

Mortgage rates hit a 22-year high as demand...

August 18, 2023

    Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest insights, updates, and exclusive content straight to your inbox! Whether it's industry news, expert advice, or inspiring stories, we bring you valuable information that you won't find anywhere else. Stay connected with us!


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Popular

    • 1

      Top 10 Countries for Natural Gas Production (Updated 2024)

      April 6, 2024
    • 2

      Understanding Lithium Mineralogy from an Investment Perspective

      September 12, 2023
    • 3

      US Capital Global Facilitates $50MM Financing to Accelerate Charbone Hydrogen’s North American Expansion

      June 6, 2025
    • 4

      Israel confirms it is arming Hamas rivals in operation opposition calls ‘complete madness’

      June 6, 2025
    • 5

      A GOP operative accused a monastery of voter fraud. Nuns fought back.

      January 3, 2025
    • 6

      Crypto Market Recap: Strategy Eyes US$1B Raise for Bitcoin Push, UK Regulator Reverses ETN Ban

      June 6, 2025
    • 7

      China’s aircraft carriers send message in the open Pacific for the first time – and bigger and more powerful ships are coming

      June 16, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (1,053)
    • Investing (2,079)
    • Politics (2,977)
    • Uncategorized (20)
    • World (3,387)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: thriftybanker.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 thriftybanker.com | All Rights Reserved