The United Auto Workers have achieved a significant milestone in their efforts to expand their reach beyond Detroit’s Big Three automakers. In a historic win, Volkswagen employees in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have overwhelmingly voted to join the union. This marks the UAW’s first successful organizing drive of an automaker outside of the traditional stronghold of the Big Three.
With 73% of the vote in favor of union organizing, a total of 2,628 out of over 4,300 eligible VW workers showed their support for joining the UAW. The turnout was equally impressive, with roughly 84% of eligible workers participating in the election. Despite a few challenged and voided ballots, the results clearly demonstrate strong backing for union representation among Volkswagen employees in Chattanooga.
While the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) still needs to certify the results, the victory paves the way for VW to engage in good-faith bargaining with the UAW. The talks may proceed directly between the company and the union or involve a mediator. This development sets the stage for negotiations that could lead to improved working conditions and benefits for Volkswagen workers.
The UAW’s success in Chattanooga is expected to bolster its ongoing organizing efforts at 13 automakers across the United States. Following major contract wins with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Chrysler parent Stellantis last year, the union sees the Volkswagen victory as a springboard for further expansion. UAW President Shawn Fain and supporters regard this win as a crucial step in their campaign to organize autoworkers beyond the traditional Big Three.
The UAW’s triumph comes amidst opposition from six Republican governors in Southern states, including Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. In a joint statement, these officials expressed concerns about the potential impacts of unionization on their states’ economies. Despite facing political pressure and worker resistance in previous attempts to organize the VW plant, the UAW has now secured a notable victory.
With the Volkswagen organizing drive behind them, the UAW will now focus on negotiating with the company to secure a collective bargaining agreement that meets the needs of workers. Additionally, the union is gearing up for an upcoming organizing vote at a Mercedes-Benz SUV plant in Vance, Alabama. The NLRB has scheduled the election for May, offering another opportunity for autoworkers to decide on union representation.
Looking ahead, UAW President Fain has set ambitious goals for the union’s growth beyond the Big Three. With plans to reach the “Big Five or Big Six” automakers by 2028, the UAW aims to establish a stronger presence in the automotive industry and advocate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for all autoworkers.
The United Auto Workers’ victory at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga represents a significant achievement for the union and a new chapter in its organizing efforts in the Southern United States. The path to certification and future negotiations with VW, along with the upcoming vote at Mercedes-Benz, signal continued momentum for the UAW’s expansion beyond Detroit’s Big Three. Through strategic planning, unwavering commitment, and a belief in the power of collective action, the UAW is paving the way for improved outcomes for autoworkers across the country.
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