In a blow to the United Auto Workers’ (UAW) efforts, workers at two Mercedes-Benz factories in Alabama voted against joining the union. The National Labor Relations Board reported a 56% vote against unionization. Despite the setback, the UAW is expected to explore legal options. The loss slows the union’s campaign to organize workers in nonunion auto factories in the South, although it recently scored a victory at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant. Mercedes workers cited concerns over job security and company intimidation tactics. While the defeat is a setback, the UAW remains determined to pursue its organizing efforts.