The United Auto Workers (UAW) is attempting to lurch its way back into Alabama – this time – at the International Motors’ powertrain plant in Huntsville. 

UAW filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to represent 220 full-time and part-time manufacturing workers as part of a national $40 million drive by union leadership to organize 40,000 Southern autoworkers by the end of 2026.

RELATED: UAW crushed in union vote at Mercedes-Benz

According to AL.com, the company “received the petition on June 27 from a group called ‘HPP Workers United for Change.’ Prior to that, the UAW had requested a card check process for unionization, which involves a majority of employees sign authorization forms requesting a union. The company instead requested a secret ballot election…”

If the NLRB approves the petition, officials say an election could be scheduled within the next three months. 

Such an election would set the stage for another showdown between a non-union automaker and the UAW, which was defeated handily over a year ago at the Mercedes-Benz manufacturing facility in Vance by over 500 votes. 

RELATED: Kay Ivey, five governors unite against UAW’s expansion into the South

Company leadership quickly rejected the pro-union push in a letter to employees this weekend, saying the company will “engage directly” with workers to address concerns and preserve the facility’s “team-based culture.” 

Brandon Tucker, Plant Manager for International/Navistar Huntsville Powertrain, noted in that letter the plant’s 25-year history in Huntsville, a recent $200 million investment to expand capacity, and a near doubling of full-time headcount over the past five years. 

“Our plant and company have worked tirelessly to address issues that come with rapid growth and changes in the industry and economic environment. We are committed to continuous improvement and maintaining Huntsville as a great place to work,” Tucker wrote. 

“We have a great team here in Huntsville, and we respect the rights, opinions, and input of all our team members and welcome their feedback. With transparency and facts, we will work to inform them why we believe joining the UAW union is not in the best interest of our team culture, the Huntsville plant, or the community’s future.”

“The city of Huntsville is thriving, and we want to continue to be a strong part of that. We believe prioritizing flexibility, innovation, and direct communication to overcome challenges provides the brightest future for all,” Tucker added.

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