GENEVA/STUTTGART (dpa-AFX) - IndustriALL Global Union has terminated its cooperation agreement with automaker Mercedes-Benz. The international federation of industrial unions accused the company of systematic violations of fundamental labor rights at its U.S. plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
'Mercedes-Benz has broken every rule it signed up to,' IndustriALL General Secretary Atle Høie stated in a press release. German news magazine 'Der Spiegel' first reported on the allegations, which the group has since denied.
The dispute stems from a 2024 vote on whether the United Auto Workers (UAW) union should represent employees at the Tuscaloosa facility. Mercedes told Deutsche Presse-Agentur that employees had 'decided in a democratic, secret ballot not to be represented by the UAW.'
Mercedes: No disciplinary action taken against employees
Mercedes specifically rejected UAW allegations that it had used intimidation to influence the election or failed to maintain neutrality. The company stated it had ensured 'access to information and answers to questions for its employees in accordance with U.S. law.' It further maintained that at no point were employees dismissed, disciplined, or treated unequally due to their union views or activities.
The company also noted that a settlement reached with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) last March did not confirm any violations by Mercedes. A notice published as part of that settlement merely stated that the company 'continues to comply with the applicable requirements of U.S. labor law.'
On May 26, the U.S. labor authority is expected to rule on whether the 2024 election at the Tuscaloosa plant was valid or must be rerun./gut/DP/nas
