Reuters: “U.S. workers at a Mercedes-Benz (MBGn.DE), opens new tab plant in Alabama handed a stinging loss to the United Auto Workers on Friday, rejecting the union in a vote it had expected would build on a win at a Tennessee Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE), opens new tab plant and push it deeper into the U.S. South.
It marked the first big loss for UAW organizers after a series of victories, including double-digit raises for Detroit workers and the union’s expansion to a VW factory in Chattanooga last month. That leaves the next steps unclear for the union, which is in the midst of a $40 million campaign targeting other automakers including Toyota (7203.T), opens new tab and Tesla (TSLA.O)….
The workers at the plant in Vance, Alabama, and a nearby battery facility voted 2,642 to 2,045 against joining the UAW, meaning 56% voted “no,” according to the U.S. National Labor Relations Board, which oversaw the vote. The result still needs to be certified.”