Former University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban will speak today with employees employed at the Mercedes-Benz facility in Vance. However, this visit comes at a time when workers are campaigning to form a union, so it is unclear whether Saban will convey a message of support for workers or opposition to unionization.

Just this week, workers at the facility announced that the majority of their co-workers had signed union cards in support of joining the United Auto Workers (UAW).

Prior to the announcement, during a mandatory meeting at the facility, Mercedes-Benz US International CEO Michael Goebel expressed disbelief that the UAW “will help us improve.” He was reported to have made several anti-union statements.

Saban's visit is all the more interesting because these forced meetings now appear to be a union-busting tactic. The legendary college football coach has immense status, influence and support among fans in the state, so if Mr. Saban makes pro-union or anti-union statements, Mercedes workers will This could have some impact on trade unionization efforts.

Mr. Saban himself operates several Mercedes-Benz car dealerships across the United States through his company, Dream Motor Group. One facility is in Hoover, and he recently acquired his two Mercedes dealerships in Florida for $700 million.

However, Saban has previously made comments in support of unionization, at least when it comes to college football, saying, “Let's unionize and make it like the NFL.”