The recent decision by Volkswagen employees in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) has been hailed as a historic victory for the labor organization. With 73% of the vote in favor of union organizing, this marks the first successful organizing drive of an automaker outside of Detroit’s Big Three. The UAW’s main lawyer reported that out of the more than 4,300 eligible VW workers, 84% participated in the election, with 2,628 of them supporting the UAW. This outcome is a significant milestone for the UAW and sets a precedent for organizing efforts in the Southern states.
While the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) still needs to certify the results of the election, Volkswagen is required to bargain in good faith with the union once the certification is complete. This bargaining process can either be direct or go through a mediator. UAW leaders and supporters are expected to use this win as a springboard for their organizing campaign of 13 automakers in the U.S. following successful contract negotiations with major companies like General Motors, Ford Motor, and Chrysler parent Stellantis last year. This victory is crucial for the UAW’s expansion beyond the Big Three automakers.
The UAW’s previous attempts to organize the Volkswagen plant in 2014 and 2019 were met with challenges, including political pressure and worker opposition. However, the recent success in Chattanooga highlights the resilience of the union in overcoming these obstacles. The rejection of union membership five years ago did not deter the UAW from pursuing its goal of organizing VW workers. This triumph serves as a testament to the determination and commitment of the UAW to represent workers’ interests, despite facing opposition from various quarters.
With the Volkswagen victory under its belt, the UAW is now turning its attention to negotiating with VW management and preparing for an upcoming organizing vote at a Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Alabama. The filing of NLRB paperwork for a formal election at the Mercedes-Benz facility indicates the UAW’s continued efforts to expand its membership beyond the traditional Big Three automakers. The union’s president, Shawn Fain, has expressed optimism about the possibility of organizing more automakers in the future, setting ambitious goals for growth and representation in the industry.
The decision by Volkswagen employees in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to join the UAW has significant implications for the labor movement and the automotive industry as a whole. This victory showcases the UAW’s ability to overcome challenges and mobilize workers to advocate for better working conditions and fair treatment. The outcome of this organizing drive underscores the importance of union representation in protecting workers’ rights and ensuring their voices are heard in the workplace. As the UAW continues to expand its reach and influence in the auto sector, it is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of labor relations and worker empowerment in the industry.