About 35 San Diego-area auto technicians from IAM Local 1484 (District 190) are on an unfair labor practices strike at Mercedes Benz of San Diego. An unfair labor practice (ULP) strike occurs when workers strike over an employer’s unfair labor practice. The ULP strike began on June 16.
“Our members are on the picket line to stand up for fairness in the workplace,” said IAM Local 1484 President Rudy Morales. “They are making a huge sacrifice to ensure every member gets treated with respect and dignity. Our members’ stand is noble because this fight is not only for themselves but for auto technicians throughout Southern California.”
IAM Local 1484 members became the first union at a Mercedes Benz dealership in Southern California when they voted to join the IAM in 2010. The members fought hard but didn’t receive their first contract until 2016.
Members at Local 1484 have experienced and reported unilateral changes in working conditions, direct dealing, unlawful interrogations, and unlawful terminations.
Mercedes Benz of San Diego recently fired 20 out of the 35 auto technicians.
READ: Penske-Owned Mercedes-Benz Dealership Fires 20 Striking Technicians Jalopnik
“I, along with the rest of the members, want respect and dignity for the work we provide for the customers and the dealership,” said IAM Local 1484 Chief Shop Steward Pedro Gomez. “We went out on strike due to unfair labor practices. This ULP strike is a case of David versus Goliath. Our members stand united and will keep up the fight as long as it takes to get justice on the job.”
“IAM Local 1484 members are the true definition of grit and determination,” said IAM District 190 Area Director Kevin Kucera. “These hard-working mechanics are fighting not only for our members at this dealership but for auto technicians throughout Southern California. IAM District 190 will dedicate our full resources to ensure they get these unfair labor practices discharged and the members who were wrongfully terminated get their careers back.”
IAM Local 1484 members and Mercedes Benz of San Diego are scheduled to resume negotiations with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) on Aug. 4.
“I am proud of the courage displayed by our members at Local 1484,” said IAM Western Territory General Vice President Gary R. Allen. “The solidarity of this group makes every IAM member honored to be associated with the auto technicians on the picket line. The Western Territory will provide any support needed to get a victory for our members in Southern California.”
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