Alabama

Mercedes workers reject union in Alabama in setback for labor

Published

2 years ago

May 18, 2024

Mercedes workers reject union in Alabama in setback for labor

UAW President Shawn Fain acknowledged that the defeat at Mercedes in Alabama was a setback but said the union would push on with additional organizing drives in the South.

Workers at Mercedes-Benz’s Alabama facilities have rejected a union drive in a setback to the United Auto Workers’ ambitious campaign to organize the American South, according to results released Friday by US authorities.

A preliminary tally had 2,642 voting against unionization and 2,045 in favor, a margin of 56 to 44 percent, according to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversaw a five-day vote at the Mercedes auto manufacturing plant and battery complex near Tuscaloosa.

Led by President Shawn Fain, the UAW had high hopes for a second victory after winning an April election at Volkswagen in Tennessee—the first successful union drive at a plant in a southern US state operated by a foreign automaker.

But in the election at Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI), UAW backers faced opposition not only from Mercedes itself, but from state and local officials who warned of job losses and depicted the campaign as a threat to the local economy.

“The workers in Vance have spoken, and they have spoken clearly!” Alabama’s Republican Governor Kay Ivey wrote on X.

“Alabama is not Michigan, and we are not the Sweet Home to the UAW,” said Ivey, who has fought unionization at Mercedes and at another plant operated by Hyundai.

Fain acknowledged disappointment in the result, and slammed Mercedes for what he called “egregious and illegal behavior” during the campaign, but insisted the UAW would press on with additional campaigns in the South.

“Justice isn’t just about one vote or one campaign,” Fain told a press conference.

“We’re going to keep on fighting.”

David and Goliath?

Mercedes, which replaced the CEO at MBUSI in late April, thanked employees who “made their voices heard on this important issue,” according to a company statement.

“We look forward to continuing to work directly with our Team Members to ensure MBUSI is not only their employer of choice, but a place they would recommend to friends and family.

Union backers complained that the company subjected rank-and-file employees to a stream of anti-union communications at mandatory meetings.

Workers who supported unionization have filed unfair labor complaints with the National Labor Relations Board and with German officials, alleging the company flouted a law on supply chain practices.

“The contrast between Volkswagen and Mercedes is Mercedes did a full-out anti-union campaign,” said Stephen Silvia, an economics professor at American University in Washington who has written extensively on unionization drives.

“Anti-union campaigns are effective,” Silvia added.

The win at Volkswagen had raised hopes within the UAW about additional drives in the South at plants operated by Honda, Toyota, BMW and others.

The union campaign has garnered momentum after the UAW’s strike last fall on Detroit automakers General Motors, Ford and Stellantis.

The strike resulted in large wage hikes and lifted the profile of Fain, who enlisted President Joe Biden to appear with auto workers on the picket line.

Robb Lett, a production team member in the Mercedes battery plant who has been part of the union organizing drive, told AFP the Detroit wins “gave us something tangible to point to.”

“There are real things that have been won and we can win them too,” he said.

But the American South has been a vexing target for organized labor for decades.

The UAW’s progress has sparked heavy opposition from southern politicians, who argue the union will undermine the region’s success in drawing large companies.

Fain likened the battle to a “David and Goliath” struggle, saying: “Sometimes Goliath wins a battle but ultimately David will win the war.”

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Mercedes workers reject union in Alabama in setback for labor (2024, May 18)
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Alabama

Alabama edge to pattern his game after 2-time Super Bowl Champ

Published

9 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

Alabama edge to pattern his game after 2-time Super Bowl Champ

Photo comes via Rodger Champion of Alabama athletics

How electric could Alabama football be on defense this season?

Alabama edge updates development of 4-star inside linebacker

The answer comes down to how many players Kane Wommack can produce to affect opposing quarterbacks in the pocket.

He returns Yhonzae Pierre, a fourth-year edge rusher, following a season where he collected eight sacks (team-high), 14.5 tackles for loss (team-high), nine quarterback hurries (team-high), and three forced fumbles. Pierre will draw much attention from offensive coaches; however, the Crimson Tide has a sophomore ready to help him on the outside.

Justin Hill, a former four-star from Cincinnati, Ohio, has made it his mission to become a complete pass rusher.

Alabama edge Justin Hill (#8) is modeling his game after a former two-time Suer Bowl Champion.

3/25/25 MFB Spring Practice
Alabama Linebacker Justin Hill (8)
Photo by Kent Gidley

He provided some excitement in 15 games last year, posting 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup.

Former 4-star edge “will stand out” at Alabama in 2026 season, per Yhonzae Pierre

Who is Justin Hill modeling his game after?

The 6-foot-3, 244-pounder had a good spring, and the coaching staff looks at him as someone that brings speed, power, and edge-bending abilities to harass quarterbacks. Hill mentioned to reporters after A-Day that he wants to ‘go through’ quarterbacks in generating pressure.

He also wants to pattern his game after a former two-time Super Bowl Champion.

Hill detailed the former two-time Butkus Award winner he’s emulating.

“I am watching guys like Von Miller,” Hill said. “I’m watching a lot of speed to power guys.”

Hill stated Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos as another National Football League pass rusher he is studying. Bonitto has 37 sacks and 44 tackles for loss in four seasons with the Broncos – including a career-high 14 sacks in 2025.

Miller is one of the greatest pass rushers in the history of the league. He has 138.5 career sacks, including seven seasons with 10-plus sacks.

Miller has two Super Bowl rings, a Super Bowl Most Valuable Player honor, three first-team All-Pro honors, eight Pro Bowl nods, and is on the NFL’s 2010 All-Decade Team.

Hill learned to ‘cut it loose’ as an edge rusher from Pierre, so the combination of that and studying film on Miller should prepare him to be a force in the fall.

*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*

Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama.
He is a seasoned writer that has covered Alabama football for Touchdown Alabama Magazine since 2009. Smith has extensive knowledge within the program, which has made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Throughout his career, Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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Alabama

YMCA of South Alabama holds Healthy Kids Day in Spanish Fort

Published

21 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

YMCA of South Alabama holds Healthy Kids Day in Spanish Fort

SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WALA) – The YMCA of South Alabama held a Healthy Kids Day at Spanish Fort Town Center Park.

Saturday’s event featured games and demonstrations, along with interactive activities featuring police and fire vehicles.

“I think just seeing so many organizations come together that serve kids, and just seeing kids have fun,” said Gwen Summer, CEO of the YMCA of South Alabama.

Marissa Rennaker, director of development for the YMCA of South Alabama, said the event exposed children to new activities.

“I think it’s been seeing all the kids laugh and try different things that they probably haven’t tried before,” Rennaker said. “There was a big group doing pickleball and yoga. We had ballet earlier, so just getting them out and exposed to things, I think it’s been great.”

The event was designed to kick off a healthy, active summer.

The YMCA of South Alabama is located at 27080 Pollard Road in Daphne.

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Alabama

Former Alabama superstar signs massive extension with NFL team

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Former Alabama superstar signs massive extension with NFL team

Former Alabama star Will Anderson Jr. has reportedly signed a three-year, $150 million extension with the Houston Texans, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Anderson instantly solidified himself as one of the top defensive players in football throughout his rookie campaign in 2023. The star defensive end was named as the Rookie of the Year in 2023, as Anderson’s extension will officially keep him in Houston long-term, as well as make him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Anderson recorded an impressive 12 sacks on the Texans’ defensive line in 2025, as the former Alabama star has made history following his head turning extension with Houston.

Anderson was nothing short of a superstar throughout his time at Alabama. Houston drafted the talented lineman with the third overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, as Anderson was widely regarded as one of the top overall selections from his class.

The former Crimson Tide superstar has officially inked a massive extension with the Texans, as Anderson will undoubtedly continue playing a critical role on Houston’s defensive line over the coming seasons.

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