Seeking to defy history, the UAW is coming closer to unionizing in the South

The Mercedes-Benz training center sits adjacent to the plant that produces several models of luxury SUVs in Vance, Ala. (Claire Harbage/NPR)

The United Auto Workers union has stepped up the pace on its march south.

On Friday, Mercedes workers in Vance, Ala., filed a petition with federal labor officials for a union election — a first for workers at that plant. Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tenn., will begin voting in their union election in less than two weeks.