The recent overwhelming vote by Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to join the United Auto Workers is a significant milestone for the union. With 73% of the vote in favor of the UAW, this marks the first successful organizing drive of an automaker outside of Detroit’s Big Three. The National Labor Relations Board reported that approximately 84% of eligible VW workers participated in the election, with the majority supporting unionization.
The success of the union organizing effort at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant opens the door for future negotiations and collective bargaining between the company and the UAW. While the NLRB still needs to certify the results, the victory signifies a new chapter for workers in the South and the potential for increased representation and benefits.
The union victory comes amidst opposition from Republican governors of Southern states, who have expressed concerns about unionization impacting job stability and economic growth. However, President Joe Biden has been a vocal supporter of organized labor and congratulated the UAW on their historic win. The success of the organizing drive at Volkswagen follows major contract wins with other automakers, signaling a resurgence of union power in the auto industry.
Despite previous failed attempts to unionize the Volkswagen plant in 2014 and 2019, the UAW sees this victory as a stepping stone towards further expansion and organization of workers in the auto sector. With plans to negotiate with VW and to target Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama for an upcoming vote, the union is aiming to solidify its position beyond the traditional Big Three automakers. UAW President Shawn Fain has outlined ambitious goals for the future, projecting growth and influence in the industry by the time current contracts expire in 2028.
The success of the UAW’s organizing drive at Volkswagen reflects a broader trend of resurgence in union activity across different sectors. From auto workers to actors, port workers, and healthcare providers, there has been a wave of victories for organized labor in recent years. This underscores the importance of collective action in advocating for better wages, benefits, and working conditions for all workers.
The recent victory of Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga joining the United Auto Workers represents a significant milestone in the union’s history. The outcome of the vote not only establishes a new chapter for labor relations at the plant but also sets the stage for further organizing efforts and negotiations in the future. As the UAW looks towards expanding its reach beyond the traditional Big Three automakers, the success at Volkswagen serves as a testament to the power of collective action and solidarity among workers in pursuit of a better and more equitable workplace.