The recent overwhelming vote by Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) marks a significant milestone for the union. With 73% of the vote in support of the union, this successful organizing drive stands out as the first of its kind outside of Detroit's Big Three automakers. The National Labor Relations Board oversaw the election, with a total of about 84% of eligible VW workers participating in the voting process. While the NLRB still needs to certify the result, the company will be required to engage in negotiations in good faith with the union.
Implications for Volkswagen and the UAW
As the UAW celebrates this victory in Chattanooga, Volkswagen has relatively little to say about the outcome, merely acknowledging the election results and thanking its workers for their participation. The UAW, on the other hand, views this win as a starting point for its ambitious organizing campaign across 13 automakers in the U.S. President Joe Biden also expressed his support for the union, emphasizing the significant role unions play in raising wages and building the middle class in America.
Despite the success in Chattanooga, the UAW has faced challenges in its previous attempts to organize workers at the Volkswagen plant. Political pressure and worker opposition have posed obstacles to unionization efforts in the past. Moreover, a joint statement released by six Republican governors of Southern states, including Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, expressed concerns about the potential impact of unionization on jobs in the automotive industry.
Looking ahead, the UAW is set to negotiate with Volkswagen and is also preparing for an upcoming organizing vote with Mercedes-Benz workers at a plant in Alabama. With aspirations to expand beyond the Big Three automakers, UAW President Shawn Fain aims to include more companies in the union's membership by the time current contracts expire in 2028. By focusing on the belief in the possibility of positive change and better working conditions, the UAW continues to advocate for the rights and well-being of autoworkers across the country.