By Ben Glickman


The United Auto Workers filed objections to a failed unionization vote at an Alabama Mercedes-Benz plant, pushing for a fresh vote and alleging the automaker had interfered with the election.

The UAW filed the objections Friday with the National Labor Relations Board, which oversees unionization votes. NLRB said its regional office was also investigating six unfair labor practice charges since March filed by the UAW against Mercedes.

In the complaints, the UAW alleged that Mercedes disciplined employees for discussing unionization at work, prohibited distribution of union materials and surveilled employees, according to the NLRB.

Mercedes-Benz didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Most workers at the Alabama plant who cast ballots voted against joining the union last week, according to the NLRB. The vote represented a setback for the union, which has pushed to organize at foreign automakers in the South after its landmark contracts with major automakers last year.

The NLRB's regional director overseeing the election will review the UAW's complaints and could order a new election after a hearing if the objections are deemed valid.

The UAW also alleged that the company discharged union supporters, forced employees to attend captive audience meetings and made statements suggesting union activity is futile, according to the NLRB.


Write to Ben Glickman at ben.glickman@wsj.com


(END) Dow Jones Newswires

05-24-24 1723ET