The German government has officially launched an investigation into Mercedes-Benz Group AG, focusing on allegations of illegal anti-union activities at its Mercedes-Benz plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. This formal inquiry, announced by Germany’s Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control, comes as workers at the Tuscaloosa facility are in the midst of a union vote with the UAW (United Auto Workers).
Workers at the Mercedes Benz Plant Tuscaloosa have reported facing intense pressure and intimidation from management as they seek to unionize. A significant majority of the plant’s workforce has voiced support for unionization, prompting a strong reaction from Mercedes-Benz.
Jeremy Kimbrell, a long-time employee at the Mercedes-Benz plant Tuscaloosa since 1999, stated, “Autoworkers in Alabama should have the same rights and be treated with the same respect as autoworkers in Germany.” He further expressed gratitude for the German government’s investigation, adding, “My coworkers and I are grateful to the German government for taking our testimonies and the evidence we have provided seriously and taking the first steps to hold the lawless, reckless Mercedes managers in Alabama accountable for their action.”
The UAW filed charges against Mercedes-Benz Group AG in early April, citing violations of Germany’s new law concerning global supply chain practices. The core of the complaint centers on Mercedes-Benz’s alleged aggressive anti-union campaign against its U.S. autoworkers at the Mercedes Benz plant Tuscaloosa. The UAW argues that these actions constitute a clear violation of human rights under the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains. If found in violation, Mercedes-Benz could face substantial penalties, including significant financial fines and potential bans on government contracts within Germany.
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), the subsidiary operating the Alabama plant, is at the heart of these allegations. The UAW complaint details a series of actions allegedly taken by MBUSI to thwart unionization efforts. These actions include intimidation, threats, and even the termination of workers at the Mercedes Benz plant Tuscaloosa, all purportedly in violation of both U.S. labor law and International Labor Organization Conventions. The complaint outlines seven specific violations under the German act:
- Termination of Union Supporter: One instance cited involves the firing of an employee battling Stage 4 cancer. Despite prior accommodations allowing him to keep his cellphone for critical medical updates, a supervisor, identified as having a history of intimidating union supporters, allegedly enforced a “zero-tolerance” cellphone policy to justify his dismissal.
- CEO’s Anti-Union Letter: A letter penned by MBUSI CEO Michael Göbel in January is highlighted as an attempt to discourage union activity and infringe upon workers’ freedom of association. The letter reportedly employed standard anti-union rhetoric designed to instill fear and division among employees at the Mercedes Benz plant Tuscaloosa.
- Mandatory Anti-Union Meetings: CEO Göbel conducted mandatory plant-wide meetings in February aimed at dissuading workers from unionizing. During these meetings, Göbel reportedly asserted his disbelief in the UAW’s ability to improve the plant and questioned the transparency of union dues, suggesting workers would be paying into an organization with unaccountable finances.
- Nick Saban Meeting and UAW Suppression: Another mandatory meeting in February featured former University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban. Leading up to and during this event, MBUSI supervisors allegedly interfered with union supporters attempting to distribute UAW hats, further indicating efforts to suppress union visibility at the Mercedes Benz plant Tuscaloosa.
Despite the company’s alleged anti-union campaign, a strong majority of workers at the Mercedes Benz plant Tuscaloosa publicly support the union. Workers express confidence in a union victory as ballot counting approaches on Friday, May 17th. If successful, the Mercedes Benz plant Tuscaloosa would become the second Southern auto plant to unionize with the UAW within a month, and part of a broader wave of unionization efforts across non-union auto plants nationwide.
