UAW Accuses Ford Bronco Roof Supplier Of Union Busting

Many early sixth-generation Ford Bronco owners are well aware of one of those vehicle’s suppliers – Webasto – given the fact that it struggled to produce enough hard tops to satisfy demand when that model initially entered production. Much of this was due not only to demand, but also, the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, though quite a lot has changed since then – in fact, Webasto suffered quite the downturn in 2023, prompting it to shed some jobs, though workers ultimately voted to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) union in May of that same year, too.

It was only a couple of days later that 200 workers at the Webasto plant in Plymouth, Michigan ratified their first contract after 96 percent of workers voted yes, which will result in a number of benefits including a 51 percent pay raise over three years. Workers at the Webasto plant produce a variety of convertible soft tops for Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, and also supply hard tops for the sixth-generation Ford Bronco. Now, however, the UAW is according that same company of engaging in illegal anti-union behavior.

A delegation of UAW leaders plans to head to Germany to meet with Webasto executives next week to discuss these allegations after workers filed Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board recently. The UAW is actively considering whether to file an additional complaint in German Court if Webasto’s alleged illegal anti-union activities continue as well. According to the UAW, Webasto has been distributing anti-union literature with the Ford Bronco logo and the message “No Bucking Union” around its plant as elections are set to take place next week.

Additionally, Webasto workers have accused the company of disciplining, intimidating, or terminating workers who show support for the union, changing its bathroom policy to require workers to get permission to do so, requiting workers to attend captive audience meetings, using video cameras to monitor union activity, and maintaining a rulebook that’s reportedly unlawful. The Unfair Labor Practice charge filed with the NLRB noted 17 separate instances of unlawful conduct committed by Webasto managers at the time of the filing, which is currently being investigated by the National Labor Relations Board and could result in financial sanctions.

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