The United Auto Workers (UAW) has filed a complaint with German authorities against Mercedes for breaching the German Supply Chain Act, alleging anti-union behavior in the US.
Why it matters: The UAW is targeting Mercedes and VW in an attempt to gain momentum and potentially organize other non-union automakers in the South, like Toyota.
The big picture: The German Supply Chain Act requires German-based businesses to uphold labor and human rights globally, setting a precedent for future EU laws.
What's next: The UAW aims to pressure Mercedes through the Act to remain neutral during the union recognition election in the US.
The bottom line: Expect more unions worldwide to raise allegations of anti-union behavior when the stricter EU laws, like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, come into effect.
ADDITIONAL MATERIAL
Tom Hayes
Director of European Union and Global Labor Affairs, HR Policy Association
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