By Associated Press
Birmingham, AL – Unions haven't had much luck getting their feet in the door to Alabama's automotive industry during boom times dating to the mid-1990s when the first vehicles started rolling off state assembly lines.
The lack of union activity in Alabama's auto industry has been a key selling point for the state when courting new business in the sector, which supports more than 134,000 jobs and a $5.2 billion annual payroll.
But some wonder whether that could change as those same plants struggle amid an industrywide sales slump that has forced production cutbacks and a loss of hours for workers.
Mercedes-Benz and Honda, which slashed output at their respective factories in Vance and Lincoln, have been the target of union organizing efforts over the years.
A representative of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers recently returned to Vance for a meeting with Mercedes employees and says he hopes to find a more receptive audience.
Mercedes spokeswoman Felyicia Jerald says union decisions are up to employees, and the company feels employees are informed enough to make a responsible decision.
Officials with the United Auto Workers have been quiet about union organizing activities at Mercedes and Honda. Efforts to reach the union last week were unsuccessful.