Mercedes Employees In Vance Vote Down Unionization Proposal

VANCE, AL — Employees at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International (MBUSI) in Vance this week voted down a proposal to allow the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) to offer membership to MBUSI workers.

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The secret ballot vote was overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), with the results announced on Friday after the ballots were cast over the last week.

A total of 4,687 valid votes were counted, representing 92% of employees who were eligible to vote.

Overall, 2,642 votes or 56% were cast against the measure, 2,045 votes were cast in favor of unionization.

"Mercedes has been a game-changer for west Alabama, providing great jobs and great compensation for our region’s residents," Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama President Kyle South told Patch. "Today, we’re pleased to see that workers at the plant decided to continue their direct relationship with the company. What’s important now is for the plant and the West Alabama community to come together, and continue producing the cars that help make Alabama the No. 1 auto-exporting state."

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, along with Republican lawmakers in the state legislature, have been vocal in their opposition of the UAW gaining a presence in the state and she spoke out Friday after the results were announced.

"The workers in Vance have spoken, and they have spoken clearly," she said via X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "Alabama is not Michigan, and we are not the Sweet Home to the UAW. We urge the UAW to respect the results of this secret ballot election."

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