NEW DELHI

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union is reassessing its strategies and exploring new avenues after a stinging defeat at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Alabama. Despite the 56% - 44% loss in the closely watched union election, the UAW remains determined to press on with its broader campaign to organise non-unionised auto facilities across the southeastern United States.

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The union's campaign at Mercedes faced a significant turning point when the company abruptly replaced its CEO, Michael Goebel, with Frederico Kochlowski just weeks before voting commenced. Kochlowski, a veteran manager with international experience, embarked on a vigorous anti-union drive, urging workers to give him a chance to address their grievances and pledging to listen to their concerns.

Prior to Kochlowski's appointment, the UAW had claimed that 70% of the workforce had signed cards seeking union representation, citing issues ranging from scheduling and job assignments to training, supervision, and the need for personal time off. However, the company's messaging appears to have swayed a significant portion of the "persuadable voters" who had initially signed union cards.

Despite the setback, UAW President Shawn Fain remains resolute, vowing to maintain and build upon the base of support within the Mercedes complex, which includes an assembly plant and a new battery facility. Fain acknowledged that while the company urged workers to give Kochlowski a chance, a similar tactic had been employed by Volkswagen in 2019, only for workers there to ultimately embrace unionisation in 2024.

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"These courageous workers at Mercedes reached out to the UAW because they wanted justice," Fain stated. "They led us, and they lead us. What happens next is up to them."

The UAW contends that Mercedes engaged in unlawful tactics during the campaign, including inviting a local Black minister to speak against the union while blocking pro-union literature distribution. These allegations are currently under investigation by the federal government and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

Beyond the legal challenges, the union faces scrutiny from labour experts and international organisations. Arthur Wheaton, a labour expert from Cornell University, suggested that the results were "not bad for a first vote," given the opposition from anti-union politicians and outside groups. However, others, like Atle Høie, general secretary for IndustriAll, the global metal workers union, criticised Mercedes' tactics as deplorable and not in the interest of workers.

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The UAW has also filed a complaint in German courts, alleging that Mercedes-Benz's aggressive anti-union campaign in Alabama constitutes a human rights violation under the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains. Germany's Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control has launched a formal investigation into the matter.

As the UAW regroups and evaluates its next steps, speculation surrounds potential targets for future organising drives. While reports had suggested that the Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama, could be the next focus, the union has clarified that it has not yet petitioned for an election there, and its options remain under review.

The battle for unionisation in the southern auto industry remains fiercely contested, with the UAW determined to press forward despite the setback in Alabama. As Fain aptly stated, "Justice isn't about one vote or one campaign. It's about getting a voice, getting your fair share."