National Labor Relations Board General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo (left) talks with Webasto workers at UAW Local 174 in Livonia. July 29, 2024. Photo by Jon King.
Following the filing of unfair labor practice complaints by workers at the Webasto-Detroit auto parts plant, the United Auto Workers (UAW) announced Friday that a delegation will bring their concerns about “illegal anti-union behavior” directly to officials with the German parts supplier at a meeting set for next week, and may seek litigation if the issues are not addressed.
The trip to Germany by the delegation of UAW leaders comes two weeks after Webasto workers filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board. According to a press release, the UAW also says that it is actively considering whether to file an additional complaint in German court if Webasto doesn’t cease what they claim are illegal anti-union activities.
“We’re just asking for Webasto to respect our basic rights,” said Isaiah Towns, who works in Webasto-Detroit’s bonding department. “No one should have to go through what Webasto has been subjecting us to. It’s time for the threats, harassment, and bullying to stop.”
Webasto-Detroit workers say company is violating labor law to bust union activity
A request for comment was sent by Michigan Advance to Webasto, but has yet to be returned.
The union said an “overwhelming majority” of the approximately 600 workers at the Webasto-Detroit plant signed union authorization cards and filed July 29 for their union election, which is scheduled for September 9 and 10. It will be the second of Webasto’s Michigan facilities to vote on whether or not to unionize. In May, workers at the Webasto-Pilot Road plant in Plymouth ratified their first contract with a 96% approval margin, which included raises of up to 51% over three years, along with better benefits, and improved attendance policies.
According to the NLRB complaint, which the UAW said cited 17 separate instances of unlawful conduct, Webasto has promised workers at its Detroit plant who don’t join the union better benefits and working conditions while also threatening employees with retaliation if they do join the UAW.
Further, the complaint said new rules have been taken up at the plant to retaliate against employees who appear to be involved in union activities including restrictions on using the bathroom, segregating employees to discourage union activity and surveilling employees’ cars for union paraphernalia. The NLRB is currently investigating the complaint.
The Detroit factory makes the roof top used on Ford Broncos manufactured by UAW members at the Michigan Assembly Plant. According to the release, Webasto has distributed anti-union literature with the Ford Bronco logo prominently displayed along with the message “No Bucking Union.” Plant management has also reportedly been seeing wearing shirts with the same slogan.
“This company needs to be held accountable,” said Pelle Burnett, who works in Webasto – Detroit’s PU (polyurethane) department. “Webasto has shown that they will go to any length to stop us from winning the right to bargain collectively together. Even though we haven’t won our union yet, we’re still ready to Stand Up to make this unacceptable behavior stop.”
In addition to the election at Webasto-Detroit, the UAW says a clear majority of the approximately 35 workers at Webasto’s Hearns facility in Romulus filed to form their union on August 27 with the UAW. An election date is in the process of being scheduled.
“Workers want a voice. Workers want to be able to have a free and fair election. Workers want to have their rights respected,” said Steve Gonzales, president of UAW Local 3000. “And we will never back down in making sure that workers win what they deserve.”
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