In a historic moment for organized labor, a majority of Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have voted overwhelmingly to join the United Auto Workers (UAW). This victory marks a watershed event for the union, as it represents their first successful organizing drive of an automaker outside of Detroit’s Big Three.
Overwhelming Support for Unionization
According to results overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), 73% of the workforce, or 2,628 employees, cast their ballots in favor of the UAW. With an impressive turnout of around 84% of eligible voters, the vote reflected the strong sentiment among Volkswagen workers for union representation.
A Resounding Victory
“In a historic victory, an overwhelming majority of Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have voted to join the UAW,” the union proclaimed in a release. “This outcome underscores the growing recognition that Southern autoworkers deserve a strong voice in the workplace.”
The Power of Collective Bargaining
With the election results finalized, Volkswagen is legally obligated to engage in good-faith negotiations with the UAW. This process could involve direct talks or mediation to reach an agreement that benefits both the company and the workforce.
A Path to Progress
The UAW’s success at Volkswagen is seen as a catalyst for their ongoing organizing campaign targeting 13 automakers in the U.S. Following groundbreaking contract wins with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis last year, this victory bolsters the union’s efforts to expand its reach in the industry.
Support for Organized Labor
President Joe Biden, a staunch supporter of organized labor, congratulated the UAW on its historic victory: “Across the country, union members are achieving major wins and large raises. Together, these wins have helped raise wages and demonstrate that the middle class built America.” Biden’s remarks highlight the growing support for labor rights in the U.S.
Obstacles and Challenges
The road to unionization was not without challenges. The UAW faced opposition from Republican governors of Southern states, including Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, who released a joint statement expressing concerns that unionization would threaten economic growth.
Rising to the Occasion
Despite these obstacles, UAW President Shawn Fain and his team remained steadfast in their organizing efforts. Their success in Chattanooga follows failed attempts to unionize the plant in 2014 and 2019.
Setting Sights on Mercedes-Benz
With their victory in Chattanooga, the UAW has set its eyes on Mercedes-Benz. Workers at the German automaker’s SUV plant in Vance, Alabama, have recently filed paperwork for a union election, which is scheduled to take place in May.
Fain’s Aspiration
“The first thing you need to do to win is to believe that you can win,” Fain told Mercedes-Benz workers, emphasizing the transformative power of collective action and the potential for improved working conditions and quality of life.
Toward a Broader Union Landscape
Fain has pledged to expand the UAW’s reach beyond the Big Three automakers, aiming for a presence among the “Big Five or Big Six” by the end of their current contracts in 2028. The union’s success at Volkswagen represents a significant step toward achieving this goal.
As the labor movement continues to gain momentum in the U.S., the Chattanooga victory serves as a powerful symbol of the transformative impact of collective organizing in the automotive industry and beyond.
