• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Editor's Pick UAW loses Alabama union vote seen as bellwether for organizing autoworkers in the South
Editor's Pick

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

by May 18, 2024
by May 18, 2024 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

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
You Might Also Like
  • Warren Buffett says bank runs would have been ‘catastrophic’ without government intervention
  • Renewable energy demand could triple as electricity consumption surges
  • Credit cards are charging more ‘excess’ interest than ever, consumer watchdog says
  • Mortgage demand drops to 27-year low despite drop in interest rates
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
Here’s what has driven the Dow rally to 40,000, and why it could keep going
next post
Biden called out for past desegregation remarks after praising 1954 landmark Supreme Court ruling

You may also like

Thousands of SVB staffers to receive $25 million in payroll...

May 3, 2023

Fed raises interest rates by a quarter-point, keeping inflation in...

March 24, 2023

How a U.S. debt default would affect American households

May 5, 2023

Autoworkers strike expands again with walkout at GM SUV plant

October 24, 2023

Google says U.S. is facing a power capacity crisis in...

February 12, 2025

With corners of the media industry in upheaval, Netflix makes...

July 20, 2024

Starbucks union votes to authorize strike ahead of last scheduled...

December 18, 2024

Tesla to recall 125,227 vehicles over faulty seat belt warning...

June 1, 2024

21 million Miniverse toy sets recalled after reports of burns...

June 26, 2024

Dropbox slashes 20% of global workforce, eliminating more than 500...

October 31, 2024

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


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

    Recent Posts

    • Nvidia results spark global chip rally

      May 30, 2025
    • Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp up Max production, CEO says

      May 29, 2025
    • Nuclear Power Trio: OKLO, SMR, and CCJ in Focus

      May 29, 2025
    • Analyzing SIL, USO, and NVDA: Could These Bullish Patterns Trigger?

      May 29, 2025
    • E.l.f. Beauty to acquire Hailey Bieber skin care brand Rhode in up to $1 billion deal

      May 29, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,764 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,470 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,450 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,429 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,307 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,104)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,578)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Nvidia results spark global chip rally

      May 30, 2025
    • Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp...

      May 29, 2025
    • Nuclear Power Trio: OKLO, SMR, and CCJ in Focus

      May 29, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,104)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,578)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.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 © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Here’s where rents are rising —...

    May 22, 2024

    Shares in gun manufacturers soar after...

    July 17, 2024

    Macy’s is closing 150 stores nationwide...

    February 28, 2024
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here