UAW Files Unfair Labor Practices Against Honda, Hyundai, Volkswagen

UAW has taken legal action against Honda, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, filing complaints about unfair labor practices.

The union alleges that the automakers are engaging in illegal "union-busting" activities at their respective plants as workers attempt to organize, as per UPI.

UAW Files Complaints Against Honda, Hyundai And Volkswagen

Striking UAW Members Hold Rally At Chicago Union Hall

(Photo : Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 7: A sign showing support for the UAW strike stands at the intersection across from the Ford Chicago Assembly Plant on October 7, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. UAW president Shawn Fain later joined members in solidarity with the ongoing strike at Union Hall 551.

According to the UAW, Honda workers in Greensburg, Indiana, are being targeted and surveilled for pro-union activity, while VW executives in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have confiscated and destroyed pro-union materials. In Montgomery, Alabama, Hyundai managers are accused of unlawfully banning pro-union materials in non-work areas outside normal working hours.

UAW President Shawn Fain criticized the companies, stating, "These companies are breaking the law in an attempt to get autoworkers to sit down and shut up instead of fighting for their fair share." The union filed the unfair labor practice charges to address what it sees as attempts to suppress workers' rights to organize.

The allegations against Honda include management instructing workers to remove union stickers from their hats and threats of disciplinary action. The UAW claims these actions constitute a violation of workers' rights. Honda and Hyundai have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Volkswagen, responding to the allegations, stated that it takes such claims seriously and will conduct an investigation. A spokesperson for VW mentioned the commitment to providing clear, transparent, and timely information to educate employees and managers about their legal rights and obligations.

These companies are part of a group of 10 foreign automakers that the UAW targeted for unionization efforts after reaching contract agreements with Detroit's Big Three automakers in November. Despite being based overseas, these automakers, including Honda, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, operate manufacturing plants in the United States, according to CBS News.

UAW President Urges Empathy Amid Rising Violence

Fain emphasized the urgency of addressing root causes and the need for empathetic leadership to combat the escalation of violence. The UAW's efforts focus on organizing factories in the South, where recruiting success has been limited.

The legal action against the automakers follows a broader strategy by the UAW to organize workers at non-union auto plants in the US after securing pay raises and benefits for its members at Detroit's Big Three automakers earlier this year. The UAW's president sees victory as contagious and aims to replicate the successful stand-up strike strategy used in negotiations with GM, Ford, and Stellantis.

The union has unveiled its ambitious plan to expand its membership by recruiting thousands of workers. Dubbed the "30-50-70 strategy," this carefully crafted approach involves a systematic process of garnering support and raising awareness.

According to the plan, the union initiates its campaign once it reaches a threshold of 30% worker support. As momentum builds, the union takes its cause to the streets, organizing rallies in the town when the support reaches 50%.

Finally, when the backing reaches an impressive 70%, the union boldly demands recognition or a vote. This strategic approach aims to maximize the union's chances of success in its quest to add new members to its ranks. According to the UAW, the organization believes that organizing foreign automaker plants will have a substantial impact on its total membership, Forbes reported.