Close to 200 members of the United Auto Workers union are striking ZF Chassis Systems in Tuscaloosa. The business is a major producer of front axles for the Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance.

The workers, who struck Wednesday, are advocating for better healthcare, wages, and an end to a tiered wage system at the Tuscaloosa business.

ZF said in a statement that it is still up for negotiating with the striking workers.

“I can confirm that we do have UAW represented employees at our Tuscaloosa plant that have elected to go on strike,” the statement said. “This is a local negotiation and unrelated to the national discussions that are taking place with the Detroit Three.

“We remain committed to continuing negotiations in good faith and are hopeful that we can come to a resolution soon. The plant continues to run during these discussions.”

190 workers at ZF in Tuscaloosa, Alabama are now ON STRIKE for a fair contract. These members of UAW Local 2083 (Region 8) supply front axels to Mercedes, and have been fighting for a fair contract that ends tiers, raises wages, and provides decent healthcare.#UAW #solidarity pic.twitter.com/iTXQxduUyO

— UAW (@UAW) September 20, 2023

The Tuscaloosa strike is not connected to the large-scale strikes that are taking place against Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.