The recent overwhelming vote by Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to join the United Auto Workers marks a significant milestone for the union. The union organizing efforts were successful with 73% of the vote in favor of the UAW out of roughly 84% of eligible workers who cast their votes. This victory is particularly significant as it is the first successful organizing drive of an automaker outside of Detroit’s Big Three.
Although the NLRB still needs to certify the election results, assuming no unexpected challenges arise, Volkswagen will be required to bargain in good faith with the union. The bargaining process could involve direct talks or mediation, and both parties have five business days to file objections to the election. Once the election results are certified, the company will have to engage in negotiations with the UAW.
The UAW’s win at Volkswagen is expected to serve as a launching point for the union’s broader organizing campaign targeting 13 automakers in the United States. This victory follows major contract successes with other automakers like General Motors, Ford Motor, and Chrysler parent Stellantis. President Joe Biden, a strong supporter of organized labor, congratulated the union on the “historic vote” and highlighted the role of unions in raising wages and expanding the middle class.
Despite the success at Volkswagen, the UAW has faced challenges in the past when trying to organize the plant. Political pressure and worker opposition have hindered organizing efforts in previous attempts in 2014 and 2019. However, the union remains committed to negotiating with VW and is also looking ahead to organizing efforts at Mercedes-Benz’s SUV plant in Vance, Alabama.
UAW President Shawn Fain has expressed aspirations to move beyond the Big Three automakers and expand the union’s reach. The goal is to include more automakers in the organizing efforts, aiming towards becoming the “Big Five or Big Six” by the time the current contracts with the Detroit automakers expire in 2028.
The recent victory at Volkswagen represents a significant achievement for the United Auto Workers and sets the stage for further organizing efforts in the automotive industry. The outcome of the vote demonstrates the resilience and determination of workers to secure better working conditions, wages, and benefits through collective bargaining. Despite facing opposition and challenges in the past, the UAW remains committed to expanding its influence and representing a broader range of automotive workers across the country.
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