Why Nissan Won’t Face Backlash Over Anti-Union Campaign

Nissan Engages in Vicious Anti-Union Campaign But Likely Won’t Face Penalty

Factory workers at a Nissan plant in Canton, Mississippi are set to vote later this week on whether or not they plan to unionize.  The vote comes amid a vicious and long anti-union campaign by Nissan.  Workers, unionized workers, politicians, and union leaders from the United Auto Workers (UAW) have been out in full force to get workers to agree to unionize.  Though Nissan is accused of having bribed workers and threatened them with harsh penalties, there’s very little chance the auto maker will face a penalty, here’s why.

Nissan will hire an anti-union firm to deal with any violations.  Nissan will win.

Nissan’s Workforce in Canton, Mississippi

Nissan’s workforce in Canton has never been unionized. The issue with the plant’s workers unionizing is that a foreign car company has never joined a US car builders union before.  It raised concerns among union leaders, however, the concerns have since been resolved.  Now, many of Nissan’s workers want to unionize.  However, Nissan strongly opposes unionization of its workers.

When Nissan made the announcement that they planned to unionize, Nissan launched an all out anti-union campaign.  Anti-union campaigns are 100% legal, however, Nissan might have overstepped its boundaries.

After the plant’s workers announced plans to unionize, Nissan worked with state leaders and higher ups to create a way in which they could persuade its workers to vote no.  Managers and non-floor workers would wear “Vote NO” shirts to work, workers were required to attend sessions about the dangers of unions, and finally, workers were threatened with termination.  However, as mentioned, it appears Nissan might have overstepped its boundaries.

Nissan is suspected of bribing workers and issuing threats to make workers vote no.  Additionally, the extent to which Nissan campaigned for a no vote has also come under fire.  Now, the auto company faces possible legal issues and its workers will likely vote to unionize.

Labor Union Avoidance Law Firms, Corrupt State Leaders

Nissan is a powerful corporation worldwide.  However, the company has a distinct power in Canton it doesn’t have everywhere.  The factory in Canton, MS brings in tax revenue for the state and keeps people employed.  Mississippi’s ultra-conservative leaders will most likely work alongside Nissan to ensure the auto maker can avoid any fines or legal trouble over the union vote.  The governor of Mississippi himself even threatened Nissan’s workers.

Additionally, Nissan has a lot of money.  This means the auto group can hire anti-union law firms to work on avoiding fines and penalties after the campaign.  These firms are vicious and well connected ensuring companies like Nissan can avoid labor disputes.

Though Nissan’s Canton workforce will likely unionize, Nissan will still get away penalty and fine free.