Updated Statement From MBUSI

VANCE, Ala., Oct. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI) applauds the decision this week by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit to reverse the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruling on distribution of non-work materials at certain areas of our facility, specifically the team centers.

The court found that MBUSI's policy on when and where documents can be distributed is reasonable to ensure a safe and positive work environment, and directed the NLRB to revise its previous rule specifically regarding solicitation in the MBUSI team centers during working hours.

As the court stated in its decision, MBUSI "permitted protected solicitation" by allowing employees to discuss the union in the workplace and "truly sought to be neutral toward employees." The court went on to affirm that "MBUSI has a policy of strict neutrality with respect to unionization and has not interfered with any worker's rights."

"This litigation has been ongoing since 2013, and we are pleased the court upheld our position to not allow distribution of union literature in the team centers during working hours," said Jason Hoff, President of MBUSI. "We cannot compromise team member safety by allowing distribution while the production line is running, and we are gratified the court agrees with our position," Hoff said.

The court ruled on two other previously resolved matters related to the definition of solicitation in the employee handbook and distribution of non-work related materials in the building atrium.  MBUSI had voluntarily implemented policy changes years ago, and prior to the Court's ruling, and the policies are already in alignment with the Court's instructions, as it continues to revise policies and procedures in response to NLRB changes to the law.  

"Our commitment is to provide a safe work environment for our team members while respecting their right to discuss non-work issues on site when, and where, it is appropriate to do so," Hoff said. "This fair and neutral approach has served the company and our team members well for the past two decades, and our growth and success during that period is a testament to the environment of mutual respect and consideration that exists at MBUSI."

(For background, refer to Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. v. NLRB, No. 15-10291, October 3, 2016). 

About MBUSI

Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc. (MBUSI) is the production location for GLE-, GLS- and the all new GLE Coupe SUVs, as well as the C-Class sedan. In 2015, the plant produced more than 303,000 vehicles. MBUSI is currently in the midst of a $1.3 billion expansion for a future SUV model series and to create new jobs. MBUSI currently employs more than 3,500 Team Members. Further information from Mercedes-Benz is available at: www.media.daimler.com and www.mercedes-benz.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz US International (MBUSI)