Workers at the International Motors/Navistar Powertrain Manufacturing Plant in Huntsville have decided against forming a union, which represents yet another unsuccessful attempt by the United Auto Workers (UAW) to organize labor in Alabama.

Out of 228 eligible voters, only 26 participated in last Thursday’s election at Navistar’s Big Bore Diesel facility. A significant majority, 142 workers, voted against unionization.

Following this defeat, the UAW released a statement criticizing the influence of business interests that they claim intimidated workers into opposing the union. They stated, “Once more, political and business elites in Alabama have closed ranks to safeguard their privileges, tilting the playing field against workers. The government’s business lobby has poured considerable money into media campaigns and hired consultants dedicated to combating union efforts.”

The UAW pointed out that when initial organizing began, over 60% of workers expressed interest in forming a union. However, they allege that management breached agreements and engaged in an aggressive anti-union campaign.

The union also connected the loss to the Trump administration’s dismantling of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), stating, “Despite the workers’ courageous stand against illegal intimidation, they faced overwhelming challenges from a diminished NLRB and an employer-friendly system.”

In their statement, the UAW further claimed that International Motors actively sought to obstruct union efforts, even reinstating previously revoked health insurance plans to sway workers against unionization.

“As a subsidiary of Traton Group, a German company, International Motors officially maintains a neutral stance on unionization. However, company executives personally visited the factory just days before the vote to counter union momentum, coinciding with their attempts to regain support through health insurance incentives,” the UAW noted.

Referencing the National Labor Relations Act, they reminded that employers aren’t allowed to disrupt employees’ rights to organize or intimidate them in response to unionization efforts.

In response to the claims of illegal activity, the UAW has filed several unfair labor practice charges and intends to pursue the complaint process with the NLRB. The North Alabama Regional Labor Council, which supported the unionization efforts, condemned the company’s actions and emphasized that workers should have the autonomy to make decisions regarding unionization.

Jacob Morrison, President of the North Alabama Regional Labor Council, expressed support for those who initiated the union campaign, affirming their commitment to advocate for improved working conditions.