Germany: Sweet home Alabama for the UAW?

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

• UAW statement here.
• UAW petitions NLRB for election in the Mercedes plant in Alabama, here.