Over 10,000 European Autoworkers Seek Unionization as Hyundai Boosts Wages in Alabama
Over 10,000 non-union autoworkers at Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz plants have signed union cards since November, signaling a growing interest in unionization among European automakers. Meanwhile, in the United States, Hyundai has announced a significant wage increase for its production workers, while facing unionization efforts at its Alabama Hyundai plant.
Hyundai's Alabama assembly plant, with an annual production capacity of up to 390,000 vehicles, manufactures several models including the Elantra, Santa Fe, Tucson, Santa Cruz, and Genesis Electrified GV70. The plant has seen an increase in support for unionization, with over 1,100 autoworkers, more than 30% of its 3,800 employees, signing union authorization cards. This is part of a broader UAW organizing effort covering almost 150,000 autoworkers at 13 companies.
In response to these efforts, Hyundai announced a 25% wage increase for production workers in Alabama and its Georgia EV factory by 2028. However, autoworkers at the Alabama Hyundai plant have accused managers of interfering with pro-union materials and pushing them back to work too soon after injuries. In December, they filed an unfair labor practice complaint against Hyundai, alleging union-busting activities. Other automakers, such as Toyota, have also raised wages amid UAW organizing efforts.
The union drive at Hyundai is ongoing, with support among employees increasing but not yet reaching the threshold for a formal union election. The wage increase announced by Hyundai may be a response to these organizing efforts, reflecting a broader trend of automakers adjusting compensation as workers push for better working conditions and representation.
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