Webasto Detroit Workers Vote to Join the UAW

Workers at Webasto Detroit voted 276 – 133 in a National Labor Relations Board election to form a union with UAW. Webasto Detroit produces hard top roofs, primarily for the Ford Bronco.

Workers at Webasto Detroit have been organizing for 2.5 years before the election, over concerns about favoritism, bullying by management, overwork, and scheduling issues.

“I’m thrilled we finally won our union. I’ve worked at Webasto for many years. We’re overworked and underpaid. We’re the ones who make money for the company. For too long, we’ve gotten nothing but disrespect from management. I’m ready for some mutual respect,” said Shara Bell, a Quality Technician for Webasto Detroit.

The victory at Webasto Detroit is part of a growing movement of auto supply workers who want the benefits and protections of forming a union at their plants. Workers in the supply chain are a vital part of the auto industry but are paid well below their counterparts at assembly plants. They often face dangerous working conditions, including exposure to hazardous chemicals without proper precautions.

“Tonight, I am proud to welcome Webasto Detroit workers to the UAW family. These workers fought for years to form their union and faced another tough fight from the boss in this election. But they believed in one another and never gave up,” said UAW Region 1A Director Mark DePaoli. “Webasto Detroit workers have won a collective voice on the job, and now they’ll begin working to win the fair pay, time off, and safer working conditions they deserve.”

Webasto Detroit workers join their colleagues at Webasto Pilot Road, who unionized with the UAW in 2023, and ratified their first contract in 2024.