ANN ARBOR – The Center for Automotive Research (CAR), a leading independent non-profit organization focused on automotive research and analysis, today announced the release of a new white paper co-authored with Wayne State University, titled “UAW’s Next Frontier: Mercedes-Benz in Alabama.”
This white paper examines the unionization vote at the Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Although the workers voted against the UAW, the paper explores the significance of this vote for both the United Auto Workers (UAW) and Mercedes-Benz, considering the recent changes within the UAW and the potential impact on labor relations in the South.
On Friday, the UAW asked the National Labor Relations Board to reject the results of last week’s failed Mercedes-Benz unionization vote and order a new election.
The UAW wants the NLRB to void the organizing election on the grounds that the German automaker allegedly fired four pro-union workers and allowed anti-union employees to solicit support on company time while barring union supporters from doing the same, among other discriminatory actions. After a five-day election last week, 56% of workers at the Mercedes plant voted against unionizing with the UAW.
Key points explored in the white paper:
- The UAW’s recent leadership changes and renewed focus on organizing.
- Mercedes-Benz’s Tuscaloosa plant as a strategic asset and its current labor practices.
- Potential benefits and challenges of unionization for both the UAW and Mercedes-Benz.
- The broader implications of the vote for the future of labor relations in the U.S. automotive industry.
The CAR white paper “UAW’s Next Frontier: Mercedes-Benz in Alabama” is available for download at https://www.cargroup.org/publication/uaw-mercedes-benz-white-paper/
