Mercedes employee speaks out against unionizing

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TUSCALOOSA COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC) - In May, Mercedes employees will be voting on whether to join United Auto Workers.

The union claims the majority of employees want to unionize. One employee WBRC spoke with recently says he's going to vote 'no.'

Moe Akl is a 5-year employee at Mercedes and his job is off-line as a repairs team leader. Akl says he will not be voting to join the union. The reason is he credits the company for turning his life around, giving him a second chance.

"When I came to Mercedes, I had no hope," said Akl.

Akl left little doubt where he stands on the union issue. He tells part of his story with his cap, which features a red line through the union logo.

The other part of his journey with Mercedes is based on his own words.

"When I first started, my credit score was 500. I had just run out of business, bankrupt," said Akl.

And not in the best of health, 300 pounds, according to Akl, but being on the 'go' inside the plant forced him to get him shape, part of the process that changed his life for the better. In other words, Akl says he found stability with Mercedes.

"After 5 years here, I am. My credit score is 700, got money in the bank and have a house now, back then I was living in a camper," said Akl.

Akl feels unionizing would not be good for him and is convinced hundreds more feel the same way. Specifically, Akl feels it'll become impersonal for him and will lose the knowledge he's gained over five years.

"It's always something new I am learning. They encourage you to learn all the time. I like dealing with my group leaders," said Akl.

"We're exercising our right for a better life," said Jeremy Kembrell.

Kimbrell has a different take on the matter. A Mercedes employee as well, Kimbrell said this back in late February: "We do a good job and Mercedes are selling cars valued at over $100,000 a piece at our factory. They work unbelievable extra shifts. They're happy that they're here - just don't want to pay us. They want us to work for less," said Kimbrell.

Alabama Arise agrees, but offers a different perspective.

"Despite rising profits for the auto manufacturing companies and robust economic growth in years that followed the Great Recession, we have seen that Alabama's Auto Workers are earning less than they did a generation ago," said Akiesha Anderson, who is Alabama Arise's Policy and Advocacy Director.

"I'm standing up for what is right. The company was there for me when I was nothing. This is the least I could do," said Akl.

Two sides of the coin, headed for a showdown in three weeks.

According to the UAW, the vote is set for May 13 and that will happen over four days.

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