In a significant step forward for the United Auto Workers’ (UAW) campaign to unionize foreign automakers’ American plants, a “supermajority” of workers at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, assembly plant have signed union cards. Consequently, they have petitioned the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to conduct a vote on joining the UAW.
“We are voting yes for our union because we want Volkswagen to be successful,” said Victor Vaughn, a member of the plant’s logistics team. “VW has partnered with unionized workforces around the world to make their plants safe and successful. That’s why we’re voting for a voice at Volkswagen here in Chattanooga.”
Although the union did not specify the exact number of workers needed to qualify as a supermajority, it had previously indicated that it was seeking support from at least 70 percent of the plant’s workforce before petitioning the NLRB for a vote.
Read: VW Chattanooga On Verge Of Unionization After UAW Secures Majority Support
This is the first non-union plant to call for a union election since the UAW started a national campaign to organize workers late last year. However, last month, the union announced that a majority of workers at Mercedes’ Alabama assembly plant have signed union cards, too.
The UAW revealed its initiative to unionize additional autoworkers late last year, building on the momentum gained from successful negotiations with the Detroit Three. Through historic strike actions, the union managed to secure substantial pay raises for its members, along with other significant benefits.
While the union has historically represented workers at Ford, GM, and Stellantis, it has faced challenges in securing the right to represent employees at American facilities producing vehicles for foreign automakers. Additionally, newer startups often maintain non-unionized workforces.
Therefore, the UAW deemed this vote a significant milestone. With a workforce of 4,000 employees, the plant handles the assembly of the Atlas and ID.4 models. Notably, it stands as the sole VW plant worldwide lacking any form of employee representation.
“Today, we are one step closer to making a good job at Volkswagen into a great career,” said Isaac Meadows, a production team member in assembly. “By winning our union and a real voice at Volkswagen, we can negotiate for more time with our families.”