UAW loses Alabama union vote seen as bellwether for organizing autoworkers in the South

Workers at two Mercedes-Benz factories in Alabama voted against joining the United Auto Workers (UAW), marking a significant setback for union efforts in the South. The vote count was 2,045 in favor and 2,642 against. UAW President Shawn Fain acknowledged the defeat but emphasized the fight for workers' rights continues. In contrast, Mercedes-Benz expressed satisfaction with the fair election process, and Alabama's Governor Kay Ivey praised the outcome, highlighting regional resistance to unionization.