Pro-union group calls for investigation of Webasto over alleged anti-union activities at Detroit plant • Michigan Advance

Another complaint has been filed against a German-based auto parts manufacturer for alleged anti-union activities at its Detroit plant.

LaborLab, a self-proclaimed “Watchdog dedicated to protecting workers’ rights to organize,” filed a motion with the U.S. Department of Labor on Tuesday. The Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) is calling for an investigation into possible violations of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA) by both the Webasto-Detroit auto parts plant, which is part of the international Webasto Group, and Employment Advisory Groupa Detroit-based labor relations firm that touts its “impressive track record of defeating union efforts across the country.”

Webasto Detroit Employee submitted for election on July 29 about representation by the United Auto Workers (UAW). This election is scheduled for September 9 and 10.

Workers at Webasto-Detroit complain that the company is violating labor laws to prevent union activity

Meanwhile, workers at the Detroit plant has filed lawsuits against unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board, which claims that the company is Implementing rules and procedures to intimidate employees. In addition, UAW officials plan to raise concerns about “illegal anti-union behavior.” directly to Webasto representatives in Germany this week.

In its request, LaborLab said Webasto-Detroit appears to have stepped up its anti-union efforts by hiring Labor Consulting Group, and noted that Webasto spent over $350,000 in 2023 fighting union campaigns.

“It is likely that Webasto has already exceeded this amount this year, but confirmation of this will not be available until Webasto files its Form LM-21 at the end of the fiscal year,” said the request, which refers to the federal government’s disclosure form for all payments made by companies to convince workers of their right to unionize.

“This aggressive stance toward unionization requires a thorough investigation by OLMS, which is responsible for ensuring that companies and union opponents comply with disclosure rules designed to empower and inform workers,” LaborLab’s complaint states.

In response to a request for comment by the Michigan advanceWebasto representatives said they would investigate the complaint.

“At Webasto, we place great importance on our culture and values, which includes fostering a direct and open dialogue with our team members,” said Anna Franziska Müller, Vice President of Communications, Marketing and Brand for the Webasto Group. “Our goal is to ensure our employees are informed and have the facts they need to make an important decision when they vote next week. Our priority remains to maintain a work environment that is fair, respectful and empowering for all – and we look forward to continuing to achieve that goal throughout this election process.”

Among the issues LaborLab’s complaint and request for investigation focused on were allegations that Webasto attempted to deceive workers about union efforts, citing a previous statement the company made to the Advance payment that they had decided to work with an “objective third-party company that offers employees comprehensive work education seminars.”

LaborLab called the claim that Labor Consulting Group is objective – a company that regularly skirts rules – “both dishonest and absurd.” The company said the fact that Webasto-Detroit would make such claims simply demonstrated the company’s “willingness to withhold relevant information from workers.”

Another issue LaborLab raised in its complaint were reports that Webasto-Detroit monitored and collected information about employees, and the company insisted that such practices must be disclosed by law.

“Given the Webasto Group’s extensive and aggressive tactics and potential circumvention of the law, we request an immediate investigation into these matters to ensure that hundreds of workers can participate in the upcoming NLRB election and have full access to the information to which they are entitled,” LaborLab’s complaint concluded.

In May, workers at the Webasto-Pilot Road plant in Plymouth ratified their first collective agreement with a 96% approval rating, which included pay increases of up to 51% over three years, better benefits and improved working time policies.