Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama vote against unionizing in blow to big UAW push

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CNN Business

Updated 4:04 PM EDT, Fri May 17, 2024


New York CNN — Autoworkers at a Mercedes Benz plant in Alabama voted against joining the United Auto Workers union Friday, potentially stalling hopes of a rapidly growing organizing wave for autoworkers in the southern United States.

The result was a close outcome. Out of the valid votes counted, 56% of workers voted “no,” while 44% voted “yes” for unionization, according to Mercedes-Benz. The National Labor Relations Board said Friday there were more than 5,000 eligible voters.

The UAW was hoping to carry its strong momentum with the Alabama vote, as its decision to use a “stand up strike” strategy hitting the Big Three automakers all at once brought unprecedented attention and record contracts for workers. And last month, it won a union election at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, its first victory in three attempts to organize the factory.

Under relatively new UAW president Shawn Fain, the UAW had shifted its strategy for a membership push in non-unionized factories, many of which are located in the American South.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/17/business/uaw-mercedes-benz-rejected/index.html

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Article updated.

Original article/headline -

Workers at Mercedes-Benz plant in Alabama vote against unionizing

Updated 3:47 PM EDT, Fri May 17, 2024


New York CNN — Autoworkers at a Mercedes Benz plant in Alabama voted against joining the United Auto Workers union Friday, potentially stalling hopes of a rapidly growing organizing wave for autoworkers in the southern United States.

Both sides put up strong campaigns, and the result was a close outcome. Out of more than 5,000 eligible voters, workers voted 2,045 to 2,642 against union representation, the National Labor Relations Board said Friday.

The UAW was hoping to carry its strong momentum with the Alabama vote, as its decision to use a “stand up strike” strategy hitting the Big Three automakers all at once brought unprecedented attention and record contracts for workers. And last month, it won a union election at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, its first victory in three attempts to organize the factory.


This is a developing story and will be updated.

[erronis]

1. Pity. Wonder what forces Mercedes-Benz brought against the union

Obviously they have too much money since too many idiots buy their too-expensive cars.
Usually there are a lot of tactics such as advertising, promising perks, etc. before the bludgeons are mentioned.

[SouthBayDem]

7. Probably differences between US and German labor law

"German employment law puts a strong emphasis on protecting employees." So the German metalworkers' union does have a presence in German Mercedes (link is in German)

But employment law in states like Alabama are a LOT more favorable to the employer, so Mercedes is taking advantage of that.

[erronis]

8. But if the southern US workers were under Alabama/US labor laws

why wouldn't they want an improvement?

Perhaps MB just has a better labor package?

I also thought VW has the same parameters but they went union.

[DENVERPOPS]

32. I can only imagine

that they were told, over and over again, "A Vote For The Union, Is A Vote For Biden"...........seriously.

If Trump gets back in office, I would love to talk to them, after they learn Trump & Republicans have done away with the Regulatory Agency: National Labor Relation Board........and now the Corporate Wolves have free rein to treat them any way they wish..........

I just re-read Sinclair's book: THE JUNGLE........ I read it in eighth grade, and wanted to read it again.....That book was one of the things that got the Union movement going, back in the beginning......due to the abuse by Corporations screwing workers........

[Hotler]

55. If the repugs take power you can kiss minimum wage and OSHA goodbye. Then they will steal any pension you have.

After they steal your S.S. and Medicare.

[DENVERPOPS]

68. The ironic part is

that all the "New" Republican voters don't/can't realize they will get steam rolled, just like all of us.

James Carville was laughing on election night 2016. The other talking heads on TV asked him what he thought was so funny about the Republican's corruptly installing Trump into office.....He smiled and said: "The Republican voters are all about to learn their voting has consequences".........But here we are, eight years later, and Trump voters are so incredibly stupid, they haven't realize it yet.....

The horrific reality is, that if Trump is elected, all of their voters don't realize that they WILL ALL NEVER BE NEEDED AGAIN and thrown under the bus..........Just as in most Tyrannies around the world, there may be so-called "elections," but the Tyrants never lose an election, it is totally rigged at that point. Just like in Iran, Russia, China, NKorea, etc....

At this point, Ignorance/stupidity is totally ingrained in their DNA, regretfully.......

The Republican's have been working diligently since 1979 to eradicate the massive middle class. Just chipping away at it, bit by bit. Now they are ready to do the Grand Slam. The "upper, upper class", the wealthiest 1%, will obliterate the rest of the entire population, and knock that 99% to the bottom of the "lower, lower class".

In Vietnam, we faced an enemy we had never faced before, Guerrilla Warfare. We had no clue how to even begin to fight that kind of war. Likewise the Dems were confronted with strategy and tactics, sadly never seen before, and kept saying "we take the high road".....
The Dems didn't realize they were dealing with a Republican Party that had become immoral, unethical, devious and despicable, and criminally corrupt to the core.......

I seriously feel deeply saddened for our Children and Grand Children.....It is more than obvious that the "NEW" Republican's don't give a rats ass for future generations, only themselves...

Lincoln said it best: "Statesmen are interested in the next generation, Politicians only in the next election"

[brooklynite]

12. Is that the same as "idiots" buying Apple's "too expensive" iPhones?

Mercedes has a reputation for design and reliability and there’s a market for that extra quality.

[erronis]

13. They bank on their reputation. Apple banks on their walled garden.

Tesla/Delorean bank on their novelty. Buying expensive-looking/costing goods doesn't make them necessarily better. But I'm not a Brooklyn person.

[Roy Rolling]

16. Quality vehicles

I’ve owned Mercedes-Benz automobiles since the 1980s. They were always high quality and once saved our lives in a collision. Overpriced when buying high-quality items is dependent on how much we pay compared to our personal financial ability to afford expensive vehicles.

I don’t know the union vote failure reasons, but Mercedes-Benz delivering a quality product in a competitive market isn’t one of them.

That being said, I don’t know what the exact quality of current 2024 models is so it’s possible they’ve gotten worse. If that’s the case, pay less for their used cars. They’re overpriced. 😝

[DENVERPOPS]

33. Speaking of over priced status vehicles

How about BMW's......???????????????

Any one who drives around town alot will tell you that in order to buy a BMW, that the company insists on an extremely high level of arrogance by the driver, as well as them feeling extremely entitled, and not being considerate of ANYONE ELSE on the road.......

[Wuddles440]

26. "Extra quality"...

not according to all the rating services. Mercedes Benz has been receiving negative reviews regarding the reliability of most of its fleet for several years now and some elements of design have been universally criticized as well. While their reputation for producing quality vehicles was historically merited, it is no longer so. However, the prestige of the three pointed star continues to be a seductive force for many despite this.

[Ahpook]

15. I went through a Union vote years ago

It was a sizable graphic arts business. The owner was doing anything and everything to defend itself from a positive union vote. I would think most of the actions were illegal.

The managers were snooping around each dept. feeling out employees on their thoughts and firing them if leaning towards a positive vote. The owner also held company wide meetings at the end of the day telling us how bad a union would be.

Basically, It would be terrible for us and ownership since she would shut the business down if the union passed. She straight up told us if it passes its shut down and she'll move everything to another business she owns.

It was a mess and the vote failed by a very close vote.

I left immediately!!!

[WhiskeyGrinder]

34. Plenty of anti-union propaganda and threats from the state.

[cactusfractal]

2. That's why they put the factories in the dumbfuck South nt

[wolfie001]

19. I called Bama a 3rd world state. I like your take better

[brooklynite]

27. "The workers are too stupid" is a great campaign slogan.....

[edhopper]

37. Do you have any report that anybody said that to the workers

or that any body here said that should be how the workers are addressed for union voters.
Or is it wrong to comment when we see people vote against their best interest.

Should we not comment that Trump voters who say he is the most religious President we have ever had are idiots?

[brooklynite]

38. I'm talking about the people HERE...

Last edited Sat May 18, 2024, 05:07 PM - Edit history (1)

"That's why they put the factories in the dumbfuck Sout"

"How stupid and short-sighted"

"The same idiots who vote for tfg."

[edhopper]

39. Yes

all true. Good summary of those that voted against the union. It is said post facto, and it is accurate.

Same could be said of those in Alabama who desperately need Medicade and keep voting for the Party that keeps it from them.

Same could be said of any who blame Biden for Roe being overturned.

[brooklynite]

40. So are you saying there is no GOOD reason to reject Union membership?

[Gore1FL]

41. If you have some, please enumerate them for us. nt

[brooklynite]

49. Happy to:

I don't need someone else to advocate for me in terms of salary and benefits, and if I don't get what I feel I deserve, I'll find another job.

IN light of that, I don't see the value of paying some of my salary to a Union, nor do I want them to direct me as to when I'm supposed to stop working or not take on additional work tasks.

[Gore1FL]

50. Spoken like someone who never hada Union job. nt

[brooklynite]

53. Yesssss.....becasuse I didn't feel the need for one.

And apparently, the majority ate MB didn't feel the need for one either.

[Gore1FL]

56. Coming up with reasons that have nothing to do with what a normal union job entails demonstrates my point.

You don't understand it, but you are happy to Dunning-Kreuger your way to an answer.

I suspect the same people who decided they didn't need a Union go all the info they needed from someone just as informed as you and, perhaps, with a similar agenda...

[brooklynite]

59. So you're saying the Union organizers did a poor job explaining the benefits?

I'm not saying the workers made the right or wrong decision. I'm offering some reasons as to WHY.

"Blame the company" is a handy excuse because it removes blame from anyone else. The bottom line is that millions of people who would have been in Uniions into the 60s and 70s have chosen not to do so in the past decades.

[OAITW r.2.0]

52. Of course you don't. You don't have to because you are in the political donations business.

Hardly anyone works in this, rather narrowed, field.

[brooklynite]

54. Try again...

I'm a retired transportation planner. 31 years at the MTA plus other government agencies.

What I do in politics is personal.

(nb: if I'd started out at NYC Transit rather than MTA, I would have been forced to to join a Union. Ditto, if I'd taught TWO classes at NYU rather than one).

[edhopper]

43. Pretty much

Yes.

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

45. I was a union member (APWU) for three decades.

We had sick leave, 26 days annual leave, and all Federal holidays paid.

I was making over 74.000/yr base pay when I retired. This did not include overtime or working on any paid holidays. Bidding on clerk jobs was strictly by seniority, which eliminated any managerial favoritism.

Our dues every two weeks were about one hour’s pay. I considered that to be a bargain.

I am grateful for having a union job which has greatly helped me in getting a secure retirement. And the USPS is not a closed shop but I did not feel right about being a non-union member. I hope the folks working at the MB plant who voted “no” do not end up regretting their decision in the future.

[brooklynite]

48. I was not a Union member (for three decades) and...

Retired with a higher salary, five weeks of vacation, a guaranteed pension, lifetime health insurance and a free transit pass.

[Gore1FL]

57. You would benefit from lane-assist technology.

I haven't had a union job for decades. But I had one and understand why they exist, though. Every excuse you have come up with demonstrates ignorance of the situation of union jobs and weirdly reflect the opinions of those who union bust.

I know it's weird that something you have no life experience with escapes you. Perhaps, at long last, it's time for you to understand that you aren't an expert in everything.

[brooklynite]

58. I don't need to be an "expert". The fact remains that the workers CHOSE not to join a union.

I offered some perspective as to why that were more thoughtful than "these people are stupid and ignorant".

[Gore1FL]

60. Perspective from someone with no knowledge of union jobs isn't helpful. nt

[brooklynite]

61. And your alternative expert opinion is?

[Gore1FL]

63. And in doing so lost Union benefits you clearly don't comprehend. nt

[brooklynite]

64. WHAT benefits?

Salary?
Promotions?
Vacation?
Pension?
Health care?

What did I lose out on?

You seem to be saying that, like the MB workers, O just wasn’t smart enough to see the value.

[Gore1FL]

65. Thanks for trying to educate yourself. See the link in the main body.

https://www.unionplus.org/page/benefits-union-membership

[brooklynite]

66. And again, none of those benefits necessitated a Union membership

Last edited Sun May 19, 2024, 02:46 PM - Edit history (1)

We're not talking about the abstract benefits, we're talking about individuals deciding whether they need a Union to achieve them. I didn't. The workers at MB apparently decided they didn't need them either.

The point of this entire thread IS NOT "are Unions good?". It's "Why did factory workers decided against one?"

[Gore1FL]

67. 18% more of those benefits required a union membership, apparently.

https://www.afscme.org/blog/the-union-difference-in-wages-18-higher-pay-if-you-belong-to-a-union

[brooklynite]

69. That is, again, an abstract evaluation.

Given the opportunity to work for the nation's largest public transit agency, I wasn't going to go else way because, statistically, I might have had a larger income.

[Gore1FL]

72. Not everyone had the opportunities you have been given.

Instead of caring about those who need protection, and instead acknowleging they've been lied to, you actually vomit the same bullshit arguments that disuaded good people from making good choices for themselves.

Is there anything you don't everything about?

[Traurigkeit]

3. Brought to you by the State Republican faction. Scare the local public. As always.

[duckworth969]

4. How stupid and short-sighted

[LonePirate]

5. Southern white men continue to vote against their best interests.

[JohnnyRingo]

6. The company worked hard on them with propaganda.

Almost every day they took workers to a room to explain why organizing would be bad for them. They made promises to eventually meet union compensation with the plea to "just give us a chance". I'm sure there were threats of plant closure and fear of massive lay offs.

The company pointed out that the workers can negotiate by themselves without a third party between them. Imagine working on the assembly line and telling the foreman you want to see the CEO about a raise or a vacation. Ask the plant supervisor for a better health plan. Are these people stupid?

This is the only Mercedes plant in the world that isn't unionized. I'm sad.

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

46. "workers can negotiate by themselves"

What an absolute crock of shit. The entire premise of having a union is that there is strength in numbers.

[Turbineguy]

9. It's Alabama.

People are going to vote against their self-interest.

[Aristus]

10. Another chapter in Life In The Below-Average Half Of America.

Enjoy being overworked and underpaid, shitheads!

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

11. One major problem with the UAW: it stresses equality among workers

Solidarity forever.

Former UAW, former IBOT.

[Prof. Toru Tanaka]

47. From one union member to another, I agree 100%.

In solidarity, there is strength.

[turbinetree]

14. I guess they like being at the will of the employer...............

when they go into the HR department all by their lonesome...............

[PortTack]

17. Going against their own best interest...nuts!

[wolfie001]

18. Too many anti-worker headwinds in that 3rd world red state

Pretty close. Maybe next time.

[FeelingBlue]

20. Because...

Workers don’t want better wages, collective bargaining, safety protections, support in disputes?

I think there is an anti-union position among fundy Christians. I never learned why and can’t imagine why. But sure, Alabama! Keep supporting what’s best for your boss’ income. Sacrificing for the boss is the new orange.

[erronis]

35. Because the workers should not worship more than one god.

They're already stressed by having to worship at their fundie churches and also having to worship some carnal criminal carnival clown running for president to try and stay out of jail.

[Ferrets are Cool]

21. The same idiots who vote for tfg.

God, they are stupid.

[myohmy2]

22. it...

...was rigged...stop the steal...

...just kidding but close enough to try again...

...hang in there...

[LudwigPastorius]

23. ...like chickens voting for Colonel Sanders.

[The Wizard]

24. And they enjoy the benefits of a

Prevailing wage that is directly tied to organized labor. They enjoy the free ride . Alabama is still a slave state in a cheap disguise.

[Mysterian]

25. Idiot bumpkins CHOOSING to remain in poverty

The power of propaganda is quite amazing and proves humans are not so intelligent as we like to think.

[brooklynite]

28. See #27

[mountain grammy]

29. union organizing is hard..

I've been there. I'm sure the disappointment is deep, but I feel the UAW will overcome. This was a close vote.

[brooklynite]

30. Let me offer some opinions you won't like...

First, however angry you are "the workers are too stupid" is a terrible response, and it risks biasing your opinions of them in other campaigns and issues.

Second, keep in mind that the average worker doesn't share the anti-corporate bias that most folks here hold, and may not see the need for a Union to advocate for their salary and benefit needs (I didn't see the need for one). Conversely, Unions may be seen as too big and institutional, focusing on national issues rather than the situation at a local jobsite.

People like to blame Reagan for the decline of Unions, but the fact is that his messaging on Unions resonated with existing Union members. My sense is that too many Unions became sclerotic and rigid as economic conditions changed. Case in point: the entire NYC shipping industry collapsed (ports were all moved to NJ) because the Longshoreman's Union refused to accept a conversion to containerized shipping.

The immediate question, which the article doesn't discuss, is what the Union was actually promising and how the workers responded to the pitch.

[edhopper]

36. Not true

it mainly had to do with the size of the ports to accommodate the containers and cranes. And there were just fewer jobs from containers.
There was more space in NJ to build the new ports. Union Longshoreman work on the Jersey docks.

[Gore1FL]

42. "(I didn't see the need for one)"

You are the expert in all things, after all.

[brooklynite]

51. No, I'm describing a opinion in which a Union membership was not seen as necessary...

...which was apparently shared by a majority of workers at the Mercedes plant.

What I'm not doing is denigrating the people who didn't agree with my viewpoint.

[SocialDemocrat61]

71. "What I'm not doing is denigrating the people who didn't agree with my viewpoint."

[chouchou]

31. Most of the Southern states give the USA a bad name.

Most of the South ranks low in every "State rankings" ..and yet these states are mostly Right Wing.
It never dawns on the populace that Republican usually equals worst life for humans.

[oasis]

44. SDRAWKCAB

AMAB'

[Cheezoholic]

70. If we could get more and more of the progressive politicians w e support here in power

there would hardly be a need for a union. We vote for some kind of union every time we go to the ballot box.

I've had both union and non union work. The mega factories of the 20th century (there was one near where I live that employed 40k union workers in one plant) are gone, probably for good. I've seen unions put businesses with 50 employee's into bankruptcy. Unions used to be and should be about more than wages. In the 20th century they were about what our government should've been requiring factories to do in the first place, treat their employees with the respect they deserved and give them the resources for a respectable life in return for their labor.

They still are necessary unfortunately. But they aren't necessary in every scenario.