UAW Successfully Welcomes Volkswagen Workers in Tennessee with New Union Membership

Volkswagen Workers in Tennessee Make History by Voting to Join Union

In a historic vote, Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have become the first Southern auto factory to approve joining the United Auto Workers (UAW) since the 1940s. Nearly three-quarters of the 3,613 workers voted yes in the three-day election, surpassing the simple majority required for the ballot to pass, according to the National Labor Relations Board.

This victory marks a significant achievement for the UAW and organized labor, especially in Southern states where unionizing factories has been challenging. The UAW had previously attempted to unionize the VW plant in 2014 and 2019 without success. The successful campaign by local VW workers, with assistance from UAW staff, emphasized the union’s support in negotiating better health care, retirement benefits, and more paid time off for workers.

President Biden also hailed the workers’ decision, calling it a political victory and affirming his support for union expansion efforts. The vote not only signifies a win for the employees at Volkswagen but also gives momentum to the UAW’s broader campaign to organize factories of various automakers in the South.

The win in Tennessee represents a turning point for the labor movement, with increasing support for unions among American workers. This landmark victory opens new opportunities for expanding union membership in the United States, a positive development in an era of declining union participation.

Overall, the successful unionization vote at Volkswagen in Chattanooga is a significant stride towards strengthening labor rights and representation in the auto industry, resonating with workers across the state and the wider Southern region.