UAW Accuses Mercedes-Benz of Violating German Supply Chain Law

The Facts -

Mercedes-Benz Faces UAW Charges for Anti-Union Campaign

The United Auto Workers (UAW) has accused Mercedes-Benz Group AG of violating the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains. The charge is in response to what the UAW calls an intense anti-union campaign against autoworkers at the Mercedes-Benz assembly and battery plant in Vance, Alabama. If found guilty, Mercedes-Benz could face significant fines and prohibitions on government contracts.

First U.S. Union Charge Under New German Law

The UAW's case is a crucial early challenge to the Act, introduced on January 1, 2023. This law applies to Germany-based companies with over 1,000 employees, like Mercedes-Benz. The Act is also known by its German acronym LkSG.

Alabama Workers Face Backlash

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, operates the Alabama plant. Workers there are attempting to join the UAW, facing strong anti-union pressure from the company. The UAW complaint outlines seven violations of the German Act by MBUSI, including firing a union-supporting employee with Stage 4 cancer and conducting mandatory meetings to discourage unionizing.

A majority of MBUSI workers have already signed union cards and recently rallied with UAW President Shawn Fain.

Additional Charges and Violations

The Mercedes-Benz workers have also lodged numerous charges with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board. Last week, they sought an injunction against MBUSI to stop the company's retaliation against pro-union workers.

MBUSI stands accused of violating U.S., German, and international law, in addition to Mercedes-Benz's own Principles of Social Responsibility and Human Rights.

UAW Movement Gaining Momentum

All Mercedes-Benz plants worldwide are unionized, barring their two U.S. plants. These workers are part of a broader movement of non-union autoworkers striving to join the UAW, inspired by the historic Stand Up Strike victory at the Big Three auto companies. Public campaigns have launched at several other manufacturers, with over 10,000 non-union autoworkers signing union cards recently. For more details, visit uaw.org/join.

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