May will see a vote by a large number of Alabama Mercedes-Benz workers to decide if they wish to have United Auto Workers (UAW) union representation.
The election, scheduled for May 13-17, will take place in person in Vance, Ala. The ballots will be counted by the National Labor Relations Board on May 17.
This vote coincides with approximately 4,300 workers at the Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, Tenn., who are currently in the process of deciding on union representation, with the results expected on Friday.
This event is a part of the UAW’s efforts to unionize workers at auto manufacturing plants in the Southern states.
“Our plant’s employees are prepared for this occasion,” noted Jeremy Kimbrell, an Alabama plant worker. “We are ready to say yes to this because we are ready to secure our fair share. We are determined to eliminate the Alabama discount and instead address the actual needs of our state. It’s about workers standing together and supporting our community.”
Last year, the UAW successfully negotiated pay raises after engaging in strikes against the former “Big Three” automakers. They reached a deal with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis in late October after six weeks of strikes.
This week, six Southern state governors cautioned workers about the possibility of jeopardizing their job security and the “values we live by” by joining the UAW.
“As Governors, it is our duty to speak out when we see outside interests trying to come into our state and put our jobs at risk and the values we stand for,” expressed Republican Govs. Bill Lee (Tenn.), Kay Ivey (Ala.), Brian Kemp (Ga.), Tate Reeves (Miss.), Henry McMaster (S.C.), and Greg Abbott (Texas).
