Mercedes Alabama Workers Gear Up For UAW Union Election: Report

Workers at Mercedes Benz Group AG MBGYY MBGAF factory in Vance, Alabama, petitioned U.S. regulators for a union election, the United Auto Workers (UAW) announced on Friday.

The SUV plant is the second to seek an election petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in recent weeks. Mercedes workers aimed to file the petition this week.

The UAW claimed a “supermajority” of more than 5,000 eligible workers at the plant signed cards to join. A vote is anticipated by early May, reported Reuters.

The UAW also accused Mercedes of violating Germany’s global supply chain law, which the company denied, stating its recognition of employees’ rights to organize.

The move for an election followed extensive organizing efforts across non-union automakers including Hyundai Motor Company GDR HYMTF, Toyota Motor Corp TM, Tesla Inc. TSLA, and Rivian Automotive Inc RIVN.

UAW President Shawn Fain aims to bring a new automaker into the union fold after successful contracts with General Motors Co GM, Ford Motor Co F and Stellantis NV STLA.

President Joe Biden is an ally and UAW’s efforts are backed, especially in battleground states like Michigan.

In Chattanooga, Tennessee, Volkswagen AG VWAGY workers sought a UAW vote, anticipated by April 19, following prior unsuccessful attempts.

Price Action: MBGYY shares are trading up 0.40% at $20.19 at publication Friday.

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz by pisaphotography on Shutterstock