In a recent development, the United Automobile Workers (U.A.W.) union has leveled accusations against three foreign automakers, namely Honda, Hyundai, and Volkswagen, asserting that they engaged in unfair labor practices. According to the U.A.W., these automakers allegedly interfered with employees’ efforts to garner support for the union within U.S. plants.

On Monday, the union announced that it had filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board, contending that Honda, Hyundai, and Volkswagen actively sought to impede workers from discussing U.A.W. representation at their workplaces. Furthermore, the union alleges that these companies discriminated against employees who participated in such discussions.

This action follows the U.A.W.’s recent initiative to organize nonunion plants owned by 10 foreign companies, including Tesla and Rivian, both electric vehicle manufacturers. The union, which has faced challenges in unionizing some of these companies’ factories in the past, is now undertaking this effort on an unprecedented scale.

According to the U.A.W., hundreds of workers at Honda’s Greensburg, Ind., plant, and Hyundai’s Montgomery, Ala., plant, along with over 1,000 workers at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tenn., factory, have expressed support for joining the union.

The union claims that at Honda, workers faced targeting and surveillance by management due to pro-union activity. At Hyundai, the union alleges that management unlawfully confiscated, destroyed, and prohibited pro-union materials in nonwork areas during nonwork times. Concerning Volkswagen, the U.A.W. accuses the company of harassment and threats against workers discussing the union, as well as confiscating and destroying pro-union materials in break rooms.

In response, Volkswagen released a statement expressing seriousness about the accusations and committing to investigate the matter. The statement emphasized the company’s respect for workers’ rights to determine their representation in the workplace.

As of now, Honda and Hyundai have not responded to requests for comment. When the U.A.W. announced its organizing campaign, both automakers highlighted the competitiveness of their wage and benefit packages, stating that union representation was unnecessary.

U.A.W. President Shawn Fain condemned the accused companies in a strongly worded statement, accusing them of breaking the law to suppress workers’ voices. Fain emphasized that workers are steadfast in their determination to speak up and organize for better working conditions.

The U.A.W.’s push to organize foreign-owned plants follows a recent wave of strikes against major Detroit automakers, resulting in contracts with record wage increases and additional benefits. In addition to #Honda, #Hyundai, and #Volkswagen, the U.A.W. is targeting other foreign companies, including #Toyota, #Nissan, #BMW, #Mercedes-Benz, #Subaru, #Mazda, and #Volvo