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UAW Sets Up a Local for Daimler Workers in Alabama

Mercedes-Benz Vance factory The United Auto Workers union has chartered non-bargaining Local 112 near Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz factory in Vance, Ala., in hopes of eventually organizing the hourly workers there.
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Mercedes-Benz Vance factory

The United Auto Workers union has chartered non-bargaining Local 112 near Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz factory in Vance, Ala., in hopes of eventually organizing the hourly workers there.

The UAW pursued the same strategy in July when it set up Local 42 outside Volkswagen AG's assembly plant in Tuscaloosa, Ala., after losing a vote in February to represent the facility's workers.

The union set up a local near the VW plant anyway. Since then more than half the factory's current hourly workers have signed on, according to the UAW. The union believes that gaining majority support will enhance its ability to win a new vote and become recognized as the plant's sole bargaining representative.

The union's ultimate goal is to set up European style works councils at both the Daimler and VW facilities. Such councils decide local contract issues, including work rules. But councils aren't possible in the U.S. unless workers at the facilities are already represented by a locally based union.

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