Unfair labor practice allegations against Mercedes and Hyundai investigated ahead of union vote

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) said today that it is investigating six unfair labor practice charges brought against Mercedes-Benz by the United Auto Workers union.

Workers at Germany’s Vance auto plant are expected to begin voting next week on whether they will be represented by the UAW.

The vote totals are expected Friday.

Additionally, the NLRB is also investigating three charges against Hyundai’s Montgomery plant.

The NLRB Region 10 Atlanta office is handling the charges against Mercedes.

They allege the factory took disciplinary action against employees who discussed unionizing at work, banned the distribution of union materials and paraphernalia, monitored employees, fired union supporters, forced employees to attend at meetings with captive audiences and has made statements suggesting that union activity is futile.

Earlier this month, the UAW announced it would file a lawsuit, but the individual allegations were not immediately clear on the NLRB website.

In a statement, Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) said at the time that it had “not interfered with or retaliated against any team member in their right to pursue union representation, and we are not “I do not agree that these claims have any basis.”

“We look forward to presenting our case to the NLRB,” Mercedes-Benz said. “Additionally, MBUSI rejects allegations that it denied any team member leave based on their union membership. Following the UAW’s national campaign to increase its membership, MBUSI wants to ensure its team members make an informed decision. MBUSI has a strong record of success over the past 25 years as Alabama’s unique team. Our positive team culture, which includes an open door policy, is central to our success. MBUSI has a proven track record of competitively compensating its team members and offering many additional benefits. We believe that open and direct communication with our team members is the best path forward to ensure continued success.

Once the NRLB’s investigations are complete, its regional director will determine whether the allegations are substantiated and seek solutions.

The UAW dropped its unfair labor practice charges against Volkswagen once elections at the Chattanooga plant certified the union as the bargaining agent.

In April, the UAW announced it was filing a lawsuit against Mercedes in Germany for violating a law that prohibits companies from violating labor protections, as well as discrimination and withholding wages.

The NLRB also said its New Orleans Region 15 office is investigating three charges against Hyundai in Montgomery.

These charges allege that Hyundai fired an employee, confiscated and prohibited the distribution of union materials, and intimidated union supporters.

Mercedes-Benz, along with Hyundai’s Montgomery plant, is part of an ongoing campaign by the auto union to organize Southern factories historically resistant to unionization.

Attempts to reach Hyundai for comment were not immediately successful.