UAW Files Four Unfair Labor Practice Charges Against Daimler Truck Amid Contract Talks

CHARLOTTE — On Tuesday, April 23, the UAW filed four separate unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Daimler Truck, citing violations of workers’ rights and federal labor laws amid ongoing contract negotiations. The agreement, covering more than 7,300 workers at plants in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, expires at midnight on Friday, April 26.

In response to these charges, UAW DTNA Council President Kenny Dellinger stated, “Daimler Truck thinks it can intimidate us by trampling on our rights. These unfair labor practice charges are a necessary step. It’s time for Daimler Truck to get serious about negotiating a record contract without violating the law.” 

The charges filed with the NLRB cite various violations by Daimler Truck, including but not limited to: 

• Retaliation Against Union Activities: The UAW asserts that Daimler Truck has engaged in retaliatory actions against workers who have participated in union activities or expressed support for the union.
• Interference with Workers’ Rights: The UAW claims that Daimler Truck has unlawfully interfered with workers’ rights to organize, bargain collectively, and engage in other concerted activities for mutual aid and protection.
• Discrimination Against Union Members: The charges cite discriminatory treatment against workers based on their union membership or activities.
• Failure to Bargain in Good Faith: The UAW contends that Daimler Truck has failed to bargain in good faith with the union regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions.

Daimler Truck workers are demanding an agreement that reflects the record profits the company has garnered and includes the long overdue fair wages and working conditions workers deserve.  

The workers who build Freightliner trucks, Western Star trucks, and Thomas Built Buses are facing declining real wages and job security even as Daimler Truck tallies record profits and makes massive payouts to shareholders. Over the past six years, Daimler’s profits have increased by 90% while workers’ buying power has fallen 13%.  

On the heels of the UAW’s historic Stand Up Strike and record contracts with the Big Three automakers, and as tens of thousands of workers across the country continue organizing to join the UAW, Daimler workers are standing up for equal pay for equal work, cost of living adjustments (COLA), job security and a better future for the working class.