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Michael Göbel, CEO of Mercedes-Benz’s Vance plant, communicated his reservations about unionization to employees, questioning the need for union dues and the role of the UAW. Amid UAW’s efforts to organize workers in the South, Göbel stressed respect for differing opinions to avoid division. Meanwhile, the UAW reported significant membership growth, especially in Southern automotive plants.
Main Points
CEO questions UAW's benefit and promotes self-resolution.
Göbel emphasizes independence from UAW and advocates for direct conflict resolution.
UAW's membership drive gains traction.
UAW’s strong membership drive across Vance, Montgomery, and Chattanooga aiming for 70% membership for collective bargaining.
Insights
Michael Göbel, CEO of Mercedes-Benz’s Vance plant, expressed skepticism about the benefits of unionization for the company.
“… workers ‘shouldn’t have to pay union dues that generate millions of dollars per year for an organization where you have no transparency where that money is used.’ …also told workers he doesn’t believe ‘the UAW can help us to be better.’”
The UAW has signed up a significant portion of workers in Vance, Montgomery, and Chattanooga plants.
“UAW announced over the last month that it has signed up more than 30% of workers in Vance and Montgomery, and more than half at a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. The goal for the union is 70% membership, at which time the union says it can begin collective bargaining.”
Links
- Bloomberg report on the meeting
- UAW commits $40 million to unionizing efforts
- 30% of workforce at Mercedes-Benz Alabama plant push for union
- More than 30 percent of Montgomery Hyundai workers have joined union
- UAW union signs majority of Volkswagen AG's Chattanooga factory workers