UAW loses Alabama union vote, seen as benchmark for auto workers organizing in South

Workers at two Mercedes-Benz plants in Alabama voted against joining the United Auto Workers, the largest U.S. auto workers union, a blow to the effort to strengthen organized labor’s presence in the South.

Friday’s vote was seen as an indicator of the ability of recently resurgent labor groups to organize successfully in a part of the country known for keeping union activity in check.

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

In comments after the vote, UAW President Shawn Fain praised the workers as “courageous” but acknowledged the result as a “setback”.

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

“Justice is not just about a vote or a campaign. It’s about getting a voice and getting your fair share,” Fain said.

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

“We are grateful to all team members who asked questions, participated 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 that 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 Rep. Kay Iveywarned of “special interests seeking 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. Republican Speaker of the state House of Representatives Nathaniel Ledbetter 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,” he said. Seth Harrisprofessor of law and politics at Northeastern University who previously served as President Joe Biden’s top labor policy adviser.

In a statement after the vote, Ivey praised the result.

“The workers at Vance spoke and they spoke clearly!” she said. “Alabama is not Michigan and we are not the sweet home of the UAW.”

The UAW is also organizing a Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama, and recently won a union vote at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. He also obtained new pay raises for other Southern workers employed by Daimler Truck, after those workers threatened to go on strike.

“The UAW’s organizing effort among non-union auto workers will continue, and they will have other successes based on their victory at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but these election results show us that it will be a long fight in which the workers win. some battles and lose others,” Harris said.

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

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

It also stated that it did not interfere with or retaliate against any worker in their right to obtain union representation and that it was cooperating fully with the authorities.

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

This article was originally published in NBCNews. with