Screenshot image via UAW on X
Various Sources
The United Auto Workers (UAW) has achieved a significant victory in their campaign to organize auto plants in the traditionally "right-to-work" government legislation enforced anti-union Southeast. The UAW announced Tuesday, February 27, that a majority of approximately 6,000 workers at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Alabama have expressed their support for joining the union. This plant is the largest Mercedes-Benz facility in the U.S.
Mercedes worker Jeremy Kimbrell emphasized the reasons behind their decision to unionize. He cited insufficient wage increases and the abuse of temporary workers as key issues that need addressing. The move to join the UAW reflects the workers’ determination to improve their conditions and secure a better life.
This development follows the UAW’s successful efforts in securing improved contracts with the “Big Three” auto companies—Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis—after a six-week strike last year. It also comes after the UAW announced February 6 that at least 50% of Volkswagen Chattanooga employees had signed union authorization cards.
Kimbrell summed up their resolve: "There comes a time when enough is enough. Now is that time. We know what the company, what the politicians, and what their multi-millionaire buddies will say. They'll say now is not the right time. Or that this is not the right way. But here's the thing. This is our decision. It's our life. It's our community. These are our families. It's up to us."