Durbin, Duckworth Join Colleagues To Warn Non-Unionized Automakers Not To Interfere In UAW Unionization Efforts

Letter

Dear Mr. Zipse, Mr. Mibe, Mr. Muñoz, Mr. Rawlinson, Mr. Moro, Mr. Källenius, Mr. Uchida,
Mr. Saringe, Mr. Osaki, Mr. Musk, Mr. Satō, Dr. Blume, Mr. Rowan:

We applaud the United Auto Workers' (UAW) historic agreements with GM, Ford, and
Stellantis--the Big Three--which are a testament to how powerful workers are when they come
together to collectively bargain. Many workers had concerns that the transition to electric
vehicles would translate to fewer jobs, plant closures, or lower pay. However, the UAW's
securing of a just transition ensures workers at electric vehicle battery plants can earn the same
high wages other UAW members earn. It further demonstrates that the electric vehicle transition
can and must create good-paying jobs. It is time now for non-union automakers across the United
States to demonstrate that same commitment by pledging not to interfere in any organizing
activities occurring at its plants through the implementation of neutrality agreements.

We understand that UAW has begun organizing efforts at 13 non-unionized automakers: Tesla,
Rivian, Lucid, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen,
and Volvo Cars. We are concerned by reporting at numerous automakers that management has
acted illegally to block unionization efforts. For example, according to employee accounts,
Volkswagen managers confiscated and destroyed pro-union materials and Hyundai supervisors
unlawfully banned pro-union materials in non-work areas outside of normal working hours. In
addition, the National Labor Relations Board found that Tesla employed multiple illegal tactics
aimed at stopping organizing efforts including online harassment, employee interrogations, and
retaliatory firings. These retaliatory actions are hostile to workers' rights and must not be
repeated if further organizing efforts are made by these companies' workers. We therefore urge
you to commit to implementation of a neutrality agreement at your manufacturing plants.

A neutrality agreement solely consists of an employer agreeing not to engage in pre-election
activities that influence workers' freedom to form a union. Your commitment to neutrality would
ensure that management does not pressure workers into voting against unionization or delaying
the election process. We believe a neutrality agreement is the bare minimum standard
manufacturers should meet in respecting workers' rights, especially as companies receive and
benefit from federal funds related to the electric vehicle transition.

The Inflation Reduction Act is the most significant clean energy and climate change legislation
in our nation's history. However, in order for the electric vehicle transition to be a success for
our economy and climate, we must make sure it includes a just transition for workers, not just for
workers at the Big Three. We believe the electric vehicle transition will not and cannot come at
the expense of workers' ability to form a union and collectively bargain for the fair wages,
affordable health care, dignified retirement, and job security necessary for the continued strength
of the U.S. auto industry. All workers, no matter what states they live in, should have a free and
unhindered opportunity to join a union. We strongly urge you to implement a neutrality
agreement at your plants and commit to negotiating in good faith if your employees do elect to
unionize with the UAW.

Source