Volkswagen Workers in Tennessee Vote to Join UAW, Marking a Historic Achievement for the Union
In a groundbreaking move, Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have overwhelmingly voted in favor of joining the United Auto Workers (UAW). This victory is significant as it makes the Chattanooga factory the first auto plant in the South to unionize through an election since the 1940s, and the first foreign-owned auto plant in the region to do so.
The final vote tally released by the union reveals that approximately 73 percent of Volkswagen workers (2,628 individuals) voted in favor of union representation, while 27 percent (985 workers) voted against it. This outcome has been celebrated as a major success for the UAW, particularly as it extends its reach beyond the traditional stronghold of the Big Three automakers.
Kelcey Smith, a worker in the paint department at Volkswagen, expressed her excitement about the election results, stating, “This election is big. This is the time; this is the place. Southern workers are ready to stand up and win a better life.” Smith’s sentiment echoes the sentiments of many workers who desire improved pay, benefits, and job rights that are enjoyed by UAW members at the Big Three.
Zachary Costello, a trainer in Volkswagen’s proficiency room, highlighted the influence of seeing the contracts won by UAW workers at the Big Three automakers in motivating workers to vote for union representation. “Once people see the difference a union makes, there’s no way to stop them,” Costello explained.
Volkswagen has acknowledged and thanked its Chattanooga workers for their participation in the vote. The company now awaits certification of the results by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which oversees the election process.
President Joe Biden, a supporter of the UAW, commended the victory in a statement. He emphasized that union wins across various industries have contributed to raising wages and expanding the middle class. Biden’s endorsement of the UAW’s success highlights the significance of this achievement in the broader socio-economic context.
Looking ahead, the Mercedes plant in Alabama is set to be the next facility to hold a UAW election during the week of May 13. A majority of workers at the Mercedes plant have already expressed their support for unionization by signing cards. This demonstrates that the momentum gained from the Volkswagen victory is inspiring other workers in the South to seek union representation and improve their working conditions.
Despite the triumph for unions, opposition to unionization campaigns remains. Six Republican governors from Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas have expressed concerns about the unionization campaign, citing potential job losses and accusing it of being driven by “misinformation and scare tactics.” These governors argue that paying a third party to dictate labor practices is unnecessary and undermines the respect for the workforce.
In addition to the Mercedes plant, the UAW has reported that over 30 percent of employees at a Hyundai plant in Alabama and a Missouri Toyota auto parts factory have signed cards indicating their desire to join the UAW. These developments indicate a growing interest among workers in the South to seek better working conditions and representation.
The successful unionization vote at Volkswagen in Tennessee marks a significant milestone for workers’ rights in the South. It showcases the power of collective action and demonstrates that unions are still essential in fighting for improved wages, benefits, and job security. As efforts continue to expand union representation across various industries and states, it remains to be seen how this historic victory will shape the future of labor rights in America.
