Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee have achieved a historic victory by overwhelmingly voting to join the United Auto Workers. This milestone marks the union’s first successful organizing drive of an automaker outside of Detroit’s Big Three. With 73% of the vote in favor of union organizing, comprising 2,628 workers out of about 3,620 eligible VW workers who participated in the election, the UAW’s success in Chattanooga signifies a significant win for the labor movement.
The National Labor Relations Board must still officially certify the results; however, the company is now obligated to bargain with the union in good faith. This momentous win has been perceived as a pivotal moment for the UAW, signaling a shift towards expanding its reach to other automakers across the U.S. Following this triumph, UAW leaders and supporters are expected to leverage this victory as they embark on an unprecedented organizing campaign involving 13 automakers, building on previous contract victories with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis.
The significance of this victory extends beyond just the Chattanooga VW plant, as it sets the stage for similar organizing efforts in other locations, such as the anticipated vote for Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama. UAW President Shawn Fain’s vision to expand the union beyond the Big Three to the “Big Five or Big Six” by 2028 demonstrates a commitment to transforming the landscape of organized labor within the automotive industry, showcasing the potential for further growth and influence for the UAW in the years to come.