Majority of Mercedes-Benz's Largest US Plant Workers Support Joining UAW

VANCE, AL — MBUSI Unionization Push

Workers at Mercedes-Benz’s largest U.S. plant, MBUSI in Vance, Alabama, have shown majority support for joining the UAW (United Auto Workers union).

In a video message, employee Jeremy Kimbrell, flanked by colleagues, confirms that a majority of Alabama-based Mercedes workers have signed union cards, expressing readiness for unionization and improved work conditions under the UAW.

The video announcement details the main reasons behind the unionization movement, such as stagnant wages, a dual-tier pay system, and mistreatment of temporary workers. These issues echo those that catalyzed the UAW’s Stand Up Strike at the Big Three auto companies, boosting organizing efforts among non-union auto workers.

“They might say it's not the right time or the right way, but this is our decision. It's our life. It’s our community. These are our families. It’s up to us,” says Kimbrell.

This announcement follows a similar move by Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga earlier this month. Fuelled by the Stand Up Strike victories, over ten thousand non-union auto workers across 14 companies have initiated efforts to join the UAW.

Excerpt from MBUSI workers’ unionization announcement:

“We haven’t undertaken this lightly. For years, we've been left behind while Mercedes has profited. After 2008 and 2009, many were forced to leave the company and never allowed to return, replaced by temporary workers at half the pay.... And despite record profits, Mercedes imposed a two-tier pay scale. We've learned that we can't trust Mercedes with our best interests... It’s not up to Mercedes management or any politician or anyone else. We’re fighting for a better life. We won’t stop until we’ve achieved justice for the workers who build the cars and make the company run.”