The UAW has lost a vote to unionize at two Mercedes Benz plants in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The final tally wasn’t close, as 56% voted no, and 44% voted yes.
“This loss stings, I’ll tell you this we’re going to keep our heads up, keep our heads held high,” says UAW Chief Shawn Fain.
Ever since the union won historic contracts at Detroit 3 automakers, Fain made it very clear he intends to unionize all auto plants across the country.
He initially succeeded with Volkswagen in Tennessee, where the vote overwhelmingly favored union membership. Alabama has been harder to crack.
Mercedes-Benz fought unionization, and so did the political power structure in Alabama.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey was very outspoken that allowing the union into Mercedes would kill off further auto investment there.
Alabama has become a destination for automakers.
This defeat stops Fain in his tracks from going after Hyundai and Honda, who also gave factories there.
“It’s a David versus Goliath fight,” Fain said. “You know, sometimes Goliath wins the battle, but ultimately, David will win the war.”