6 months ago
29
NEW DELHI: The
United Auto Workers
(UAW) has accused Mercedes of interfering with a
union election
at two factories in Alabama by intimidating and coercing workers to vote against unionization.
The labor group filed an objection with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) seeking a new vote, alleging that the company engaged in an "unlawful antiunion campaign" that included discipline, captive audience meetings, and a general goal of coercing and intimidating employees.
However, despite the alleged illegal anti-union campaign, over 2,000 Mercedes workers voted in favor of unionization.
The UAW believes that in a fair election, where Mercedes is held accountable for following the law, workers will successfully unionize. The workers sought a fair opportunity to have a voice on the job and a say in their working conditions.
Mercedes-Benz stated that more than 90% of team members participated in the election, with a majority indicating they are not interested in UAW representation for collective bargaining purposes. The company claims to have worked with the NLRB to adhere to guidelines throughout the election process and will continue to do so.
The union's filing alleges that four pro-union employees were fired, and the company allowed anti-union employees to solicit support during work hours while prohibiting pro-union employees from doing the same. The company also required workers to attend anti-union meetings, displayed anti-union propaganda, and prohibited the distribution of union materials in non-work areas.
Furthermore, the union claims that the company, or its representatives, polled workers about union support, suggested that voting for the union would be futile, targeted union supporters with drug tests, and "engaged in conduct which deliberately sought to exacerbate racial feelings by irrelevant and inflammatory appeals to racial prejudice."
The NLRB will review the objections, and if it is determined that the employer's conduct affected the election, a new election could be ordered.
