Overview
- IndustriALL, a global federation representing millions of workers, quit its joint “Principles for Social Responsibility and Human Rights” agreement with Mercedes, accusing the company of breaching a neutrality promise during organizing at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama factory.
- Mercedes rejects the accusations and says employees chose in a secret-ballot vote not to be represented by the United Auto Workers, adding that it followed U.S. law and did not punish anyone for union activity.
- Pointing to a March settlement with the U.S. labor agency, Mercedes says no violations were confirmed and that a posted notice stated the company continues to meet U.S. labor-law requirements.
- The National Labor Relations Board is set to decide on May 26 whether the 2024 Tuscaloosa election stands or must be rerun, a ruling that could reopen the path for a union vote.
- Coverage in German outlets cites reports that Mercedes hired anti-union consultants for more than $650,000 and that workers heard implied threats about moving jobs to Mexico, allegations the company disputes as it faces scrutiny of its global human-rights commitments.