Mercedes-Benz workers in Vance voted not to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) in an election held this week.
According to unofficial results compiled by the UAW, 56% of workers voted against joining the union in a National Labor Relations Board private election that began on Monday and ended Friday morning.
2,045 workers voted for joining and 2,642 workers voted against joining UAW.
"The workers in Vance have spoken, and they have spoken clearly! Alabama is not Michigan, and we are not the Sweet Home to the UAW. We urge the UAW to respect the results of this secret ballot election," Gov. Kay Ivey said. "I am proud Alabama is home to some of the greatest automakers in the world, and I am grateful to these companies who provide good pay, benefits and opportunities to many men and women across our state. As I have said, automotive manufacturing is one of Alabama's crown jewel industries and number one in the country, and we are committed to keeping it that way."
UAW supporters were confident heading into the election this week after workers at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga overwhelmingly voted to join the union in April.
Mercedes-Benz's leadership change and statements from Nick Saban, the University of Alabama, and Auburn University critical of the UAW's marketing efforts likely played a role in the unionization attempt failing.
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) replaced Michael Gobel on May 1 and named Federico Kochlowski as president and chief executive officer (CEO). Kochlowski asked employees to "give me a chance" in a letter released last week.
A UAW spokesperson said in a statement this week workers in Vance were "subjected to a brutal, months-long campaign of illegal intimidation by management and outside anti-union consultants hired by" Mercedes-Benz.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email caleb.taylor@1819News.com.
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