Mercedes Workers in Alabama Reject Union in Pivotal Vote (4)

Mercedes-Benz Group AG employees in Alabama voted against joining the United Auto Workers, a major blow to the union’s recently reinvigorated efforts to grow its ranks.

Employees voted 2,642 to 2,045 against unionization at two Mercedes plants in Vance and Woodstock, a US National Labor Relations Board spokesperson said. Around 5,200 workers were eligible to vote. The loss may embolden other automakers to more aggressively resist organizing efforts, and it casts doubt on the union’s growth plans in the wake of record contract victories last fall at Detroit’s three big automakers.

“We thank all team members who asked questions, ...