Supporters of the fight for justice by Auto Technicians at Mercedes-Benz of Orlando rallied to raise awareness of the dealership’s unfair treatment of its workers. |
Nearly a dozen unions joined with District 166 Machinists in support of auto technicians at Mercedes-Benz of Orlando in Orlando, FL, where seven workers were fired for demanding a fair contract.
The protest included a giant inflatable rat, an appropriate symbol for a company that has refused to bargain in good faith following a lawful NLRB election in December 2008.
Three union supporters were fired prior to the election, and four more since then. The dealership also ignored a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ruling against them, and continues to commit unfair labor practices.
“The techs at the dealership are proud and brave,” said Southern Territory GVP Bob Martinez. “They are standing up for their rights as Americans against a company that refuses to recognize those rights. The city of Orlando needs to know what kind of company this is. We will prevail, and we will have a contract at Mercedes-Benz of Orlando.”