The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has taken its fight with Mercedes-Benz to a new international stage, filing charges against the German automotive giant under Germany’s recently enacted law concerning global supply chain practices. This bold move highlights Mercedes-Benz’s aggressive anti-union campaign targeting American autoworkers at its Alabama plant, which the UAW argues constitutes a clear violation of human rights under the German Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains (LkSG). Should Mercedes-Benz be found in violation, the company could face substantial penalties, including significant financial fines and restrictions on eligibility for government contracts.
These charges from the UAW represent a significant initial test case for the German supply chain law, which came into effect on January 1, 2023. The law applies to companies headquartered in Germany with over 1,000 employees, setting benchmarks for ethical conduct throughout their global supply chains. Notably, the UAW is the first American union to leverage this legislation, underscoring the international dimensions of labor rights and corporate accountability.
At the heart of the issue is the right of workers to organize. The German law explicitly prohibits companies from infringing upon workers’ rights to form trade unions within their supply chains. Workers at Mercedes-Benz’s expansive assembly and battery production facility in Vance, Alabama, are currently engaged in an organizing drive to join the UAW. However, they have reportedly encountered intense opposition and union-busting tactics from the company’s management.
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI), the subsidiary operating the Alabama plant, is the focus of the UAW’s complaint. The complaint outlines a series of actions undertaken by MBUSI that allegedly constitute intimidation, threats, and wrongful terminations targeting workers in Alabama. These actions, the UAW contends, not only violate U.S. labor laws but also contravene International Labour Organization Conventions and the German supply chain act. The formal complaint details seven specific instances of alleged violations under the German law, including:
- The dismissal of an employee who was actively supporting the union and battling Stage 4 cancer. This worker had received permission to keep his cellphone at work to monitor updates regarding the availability of his critical chemotherapy medication. However, a supervisor, previously implicated in intimidating union supporters, invoked a purported zero-tolerance cellphone policy to justify the worker’s termination.
- A letter issued in January by MBUSI CEO Michael Göbel to the plant’s workforce. This communication is alleged to have been designed to discourage unionization efforts and undermine workers’ freedom of association. The letter reportedly employed standard anti-union rhetoric and tactics often utilized by specialized consultants to sow fear, uncertainty, and division among employees.
- A mandatory assembly held by CEO Göbel in February aimed at dissuading workers from joining the union. During this meeting, Göbel reportedly stated his disbelief that the UAW could contribute positively to the company’s operations. He also raised concerns about union dues, suggesting that workers would be funding an organization lacking transparency in its financial dealings.
- Another mandatory employee meeting in February featured a guest appearance by former University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban. Leading up to and during this event, MBUSI supervisors allegedly interfered with union supporters attempting to distribute UAW hats to their colleagues.
Despite what the UAW describes as a concerted anti-union campaign, a majority of workers at the MBUSI plant have reportedly signed union cards, signaling strong support for unionization. These workers recently demonstrated their resolve by holding a rally with UAW President Shawn Fain, further emphasizing their commitment to organizing.
In addition to the charges filed in Germany, the MBUSI workers have also lodged multiple complaints with the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Just last week, these workers sought an injunction against MBUSI, urging government intervention to halt the company’s alleged retaliatory actions against employees advocating for their workplace rights.
The UAW argues that MBUSI’s conduct not only violates legal frameworks in the U.S., Germany, and international agreements, but also directly contradicts Mercedes-Benz’s own stated “Principles of Social Responsibility and Human Rights.” These principles commit the company to neutrality during organization campaigns and emphasize that both the company and unions should ensure employees can make independent decisions regarding unionization.
It is a notable fact that every Mercedes-Benz plant globally is unionized, with the exception of its two facilities in the United States.
The organizing efforts at Mercedes-Benz are part of a broader nationwide movement among non-union autoworkers seeking to join the UAW. This surge in union interest follows the UAW’s significant “Stand Up Strike” victory at the Big Three auto companies. Over 10,000 non-union autoworkers across the country have signed union cards in recent months, with public organizing campaigns underway at other major automotive manufacturers including Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Hyundai in Montgomery, Alabama, and Toyota in Troy, Missouri. Organizing activities are also reportedly taking place at over two dozen additional facilities. Further information about this movement can be found at uaw.org/join.
