United States: a trade union for the Mercedes plant in Alabama

After spending time unionizing the Volkswagen plant at Chattanooga in Tennessee the United Auto Workers are now setting their sights on the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Alabama be opening a local chapter.  With support from fellow German union allies and the community, the UAW’s goal is to become the majority employee representative voice during discussions with management. In the run up to the American constructors multiannual negotiations and against a tense local political background, UAW’s task will be more difficult to accomplish at Daimler than it was at the relatively more UAW friendly Volkswagen.
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Following the recent UAW initiative in the Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee almost three months ago (c.f. article No.8522) and in the run up to a new round of multiannual negotiations with Detroit Constructors (Chrysler, Ford and General Motors), the UAW announced on October 3 that it would open local 112 at the Mercedes Benz US International factory plant near Tuscaloosa in Alabama. UAW has received support from the German IG Metal union and the Daimler global Works council for...

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