The UAW has announced that it has secured over 50 percent of workers at Volkswagen’s factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This news comes from Zach Costello, a Volkswagen employee of six years who leads the UAW organizing committee at the Chattanooga facility. Costello emphasized the historical importance of strikes as a key factor in the current union drive, stating that momentum has significantly increased. The company has the ability to refuse recognition of a union until the organization succeeds in winning an election at the company.
The UAW plans to seek recognition at facilities upon receiving 70 percent or more of the site’s workers, believing that all workers should have a voice. The successful strikes at the facility last fall led to Ford, GM, and Stellantis entering into contracts that increased worker pay. As a result, the UAW quickly announced plans to organize other automakers with U.S. facilities. In response to these developments, a statement from an involved party, Fain, expresses confidence in the readiness of workers for this change.
The facility is currently producing the Volkswagen ID.4 electric vehicle (EV), the Volkswagen Atlas, and the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. This development in the automotive industry has also prompted Tesla to raise wages for U.S. production workers as the UAW drive approaches. These events signify significant changes in the industry and hold the potential to empower workers across the country.