In a setback for the United Auto Workers' (UAW) plans to increase its membership in the southern states, the union failed in its efforts to unionize workers at two Mercedes-Benz plants in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The loss comes amidst the UAW's ambitious campaign to organize 150,000 non-union auto workers across the United States.

The UAW had previously tasted victory in April when it won a decisive vote at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where 73% of workers voted in favor of union representation. However, the outcome was different in Alabama as the final vote count revealed that 56% of workers voted against union representation, with 2,642 votes opposing the union and 2,045 votes in favor.

Historically, southern states have effectively resisted unionization efforts in an attempt to control labor costs, a practice dubbed the "Alabama discount." Nevertheless, the UAW remained positive, with Shawn Fain, a representative of the campaign, stating that "Mercedes is a better place thanks to this campaign," highlighting the achievement of ending the two-tier wage system and the replacement of the chief executive as successes of the organizing campaign.

The aggressive opposition faced by the union at Mercedes-Benz was significantly greater than what was encountered at Volkswagen, with Republican elected officials and business groups campaigning against the union vote. David Johnston, an employee at the Mercedes battery plant, shared his disappointment with promises made during his hiring process, which he claimed turned out to be false or misleading, such as never being forced to work on Sundays and changes made by the company to the two-tier wage system.

Mercedes-Benz attempted to deter the union drive by eliminating the two-tier wage system after 30% of workers had signed union authorization cards. However, this move appeared to have backfired, as it only fueled workers' resolve to push for unionization. Johnston expressed his belief that the decision showed the company's disregard for its employees until they demanded to join a union.

This unionization effort was initiated entirely by the workers themselves, seeking representation and the ability to decide on their organization. The UAW has announced reaching the 30% threshold of workers signing union authorization cards at a Toyota engine plant in Troy, Missouri, in March, and at the Hyundai plant in Montgomery, Alabama, in February. These wins have inspired workers to now focus on securing a first union contract at Volkswagen, while the UAW aims to expand its victories in the auto industry.

Sharon Block, a law professor at Harvard Law School and former NLRB official, mentioned that there are legal avenues available to the UAW to challenge the outcome. The union had already filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), accusing Mercedes of crossing the line with unlawful tactics during the anti-union campaign. There is also an ongoing investigation into whether Mercedes violated German law by employing such an aggressive anti-union strategy in the United States.

A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz expressed their commitment to working directly with their team members and ensuring that the Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) remains their employer of choice and a place they would recommend to others.

The outcome of this unionization vote at Mercedes-Benz plants in Alabama highlights the challenges faced by the UAW in expanding its influence in the southern states. As the UAW continues its organizing campaign, it remains to be seen what future developments will occur in the struggle between the union and automakers in the United States.