Chattanooga, TN – Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee have voted on whether to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) union, marking a significant moment in the labor history of the southern United States. The decision to unionize was clear, with an overwhelming majority of the 3,613 votes cast in favor of joining the UAW, according to the UAW. This vote, overseen by the National Labor Relations Board, still needs to be certified by the NRLB.
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly expressed his support for the workers’ decision, citing the positive impact that unions have had on the city’s middle class and economy in the past. He emphasized the importance of constructive labor-management relationships and expressed hope for a productive partnership between the UAW and Volkswagen leadership moving forward.
On the other hand, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp raised concerns about the potential consequences of unionizing, referencing past closures of foreign auto plants that had unionized with the UAW. Despite differing viewpoints, both mayors acknowledged the significance of this vote for Volkswagen employees and the broader community.
Workers at the Volkswagen plant have been given the opportunity to have a voice in important matters such as scheduling, pay, and benefits through union representation. Supporters of the UAW see this as a chance for improved benefits and job security. However, some skeptics argue that unionization may not lead to the desired outcomes, pointing to alleged corruption in previous instances.
This isn’t the first time that the UAW has attempted to unionize Volkswagen workers, with previous efforts in 2014 and 2019. In response to the current vote, Volkswagen has emphasized its commitment to supporting the democratic process and respecting the privacy of all team members. The results of the vote are expected to be revealed after voting concludes, with both sides eagerly anticipating the outcome.