UAW files unfair labor practice claim against nonunion automakers

The United Auto Workers labor union has accused Volkswagen, Honda and Hyundai of union busting.

The UAW on Monday filed unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board against the three foreign automakers, none of which are unionized. The union says the companies have tried to illegally stifle worker organization at one or more of their facilities.

“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,” UAW President Shawn Fain said in a statement.

The filing says union-busting tactics occurred the past six months at three facilities: Hyundai’s Montgomery, Alabama, plant, Honda’s Greensburg, Indiana, facility and Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, factory. The union says the companies illegally surveilled workers sympathetic to unions, destroyed pro-union material and harassed workers who discussed unionization on and off the job.

All three companies denied the union’s charges.

“The union’s characterization of events in its press statement do not present an accurate picture, and we look forward to having a fair opportunity to present the facts through our participation in the legal process,” Hyundai said in a statement.

The unfair labor practice charge is the largest escalation in the UAW’s effort to unionize nonunion auto companies in the U.S.

On Monday, Mr. Fain further detailed the union’s plans for unionizing nonunion companies such as VW, Honda and Hyundai. Under the “30-50-70” strategy, if 30% of workers sign union cards with the UAW, the union would go public with its support campaign. If then 50% of workers sign union cards, Mr. Fain would hold a rally at the facility. Finally, if 70% of workers sign cards, UAW would demand the company recognize the union or hold elections.

While no nonunion shops have flipped, signs of movement have appeared. One of the plants mentioned in the UAW’s filing this week, VW’s Chattanooga factory, recently reported that more than 25% of its workers signed union cards.

Nonunion companies are likely feeling the heat from the UAW. Several foreign automakers have raised wages in response to the UAW winning massive pay increases from Ford, General Motors and Stellantis. Honda, Hyundai and VW have all raised wages by at least 11% for their U.S. workers. However, those raises are well below the 25% wage increases won by the UAW in November.