Tennessee VW workers vote to join UAW, marking historic union victory
Kelsey Smith displays UAW buttons on April 10, 2024 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Kevin Wurm | Washington Post | Getty Images
Volkswagen Workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted overwhelmingly to join the United Auto Workers union, marking a major milestone for the union and making it the first automaker outside of Detroit's Big Three to successfully organize. Become.
According to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversaw the election, unionization passed with 73 percent of the vote, or 2,628 workers, supporting the UAW. According to the NLRB, about 3,620 of the 4,326 eligible VW workers voted in the election, or about 84%. Seven votes were challenged and three others were invalidated.
“In a historic victory, the overwhelming majority of Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted to join the UAW,” the union said. said in a release Friday night. before the official results were announced by the NLRB. “Votes continue to be counted, but the results are clear: Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga are the first Southern autoworkers outside the Big Three to win a union.”
The NLRB must still certify the results, but the company must negotiate in good faith with the union unless there are unforeseen problems or challenges.can talk directly Or go through an intermediary first.
Both sides have five business days to file objections to the election, the NLRB said. If no objections are filed, the results will be certified.
VW acknowledged the UAW's victory in a release Friday night, but provided little additional comment.
“We await certification of the results by the NLRB.” the company said. “Volkswagen thanks Chattanooga employees for voting in this election.”
UAW leaders and supporters are expected to use this victory as a springboard for unprecedented union organizing Campaigns from 13 automakers Last year, the company established itself in the U.S. by winning major contracts with Stellantis, the parent company of General Motors, Ford Motor Co., and Chrysler.
President Joe Biden, who has been a strong supporter of organized labor and the UAW, congratulated the union on its “historic vote.”
“Across the country, union members including autoworkers, actors, longshoremen, Teamsters, writers, warehouse workers, health care workers and more are scoring big wins and big pay raises. These union wins. Together, they are contributing to higher wages and renewed protests. The middle class built America, and unions continue to build and expand it for all workers. of” Mr. Biden said: In a statement.
This aerial photo shows the Volkswagen Automotive Assembly Plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on March 20, 2024.
Ilya Nouberge | Getty Images
UAW President Sean Fein and others viewed this week's vote as benefiting the union. The perfect shot for organizing Records of the contract between the VW factory and the Detroit automaker after the strike. These agreements included significant wage increases, reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments, and other benefits.
The successful organizing effort came days after six Republican governors from southern states, including Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, issued a joint statement. Condemns UAW promotion to organize in their states;
“We have worked tirelessly for our constituents to bring good-paying jobs to our state. These jobs are part of the fabric of the auto manufacturing industry. Unionization would certainly jeopardize jobs in the state — in fact, it's been a year since all UAW automakers announced layoffs. statement Said.
The UAW previously failed to organize the Volkswagen plant in 2014 and 2019 as it faced greater outside political pressure and worker opposition. Five years ago, workers refused to unionize by a slim margin of 833 to 776.
UAW President Sean Fein greets members participating in a rally in support of the union's strike at UAW Local 551 Hall on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, on October 7, 2023.
Jim Vondruska | Getty Images
The union will now focus on negotiations with VW. Also, Expected organizational vote Mercedes-Benz employees work at the SUV factory in Vance, Alabama.
Workers at the facility filed NLRB paperwork earlier this month seeking a formal election to join the UAW. The NLRB announced Thursday that voting for 5,200 workers will take place from May 13 to May 17.
“The first thing you have to do to win is believe you can win.” Fein Speaking to Mercedes-Benz employees last month. “That this job gets better. That your life gets better. And that they're worth fighting for. That's why we stand up. That's why you're here today.” Because deep down you believe it is possible.”
Mr. Fein had previously vowed to expand beyond the Big Three and globally. “Big Five or Big Six” By the time the four-and-a-half year contract with the Detroit automaker expires in 2028.
Summarize this content to 100 words Kelsey Smith displays UAW buttons on April 10, 2024 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Kevin Wurm | Washington Post | Getty ImagesVolkswagen Workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted overwhelmingly to join the United Auto Workers union, marking a major milestone for the union and making it the first automaker outside of Detroit's Big Three to successfully organize. Become.According to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversaw the election, unionization passed with 73 percent of the vote, or 2,628 workers, supporting the UAW. According to the NLRB, about 3,620 of the 4,326 eligible VW workers voted in the election, or about 84%. Seven votes were challenged and three others were invalidated.”In a historic victory, the overwhelming majority of Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted to join the UAW,” the union said. said in a release Friday night. before the official results were announced by the NLRB. “Votes continue to be counted, but the results are clear: Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga are the first Southern autoworkers outside the Big Three to win a union.”The NLRB must still certify the results, but the company must negotiate in good faith with the union unless there are unforeseen problems or challenges.can talk directly Or go through an intermediary first.Both sides have five business days to file objections to the election, the NLRB said. If no objections are filed, the results will be certified.VW acknowledged the UAW's victory in a release Friday night, but provided little additional comment.“We await certification of the results by the NLRB.” the company said. “Volkswagen thanks Chattanooga employees for voting in this election.”UAW leaders and supporters are expected to use this victory as a springboard for unprecedented union organizing Campaigns from 13 automakers Last year, the company established itself in the U.S. by winning major contracts with Stellantis, the parent company of General Motors, Ford Motor Co., and Chrysler.President Joe Biden, who has been a strong supporter of organized labor and the UAW, congratulated the union on its “historic vote.”“Across the country, union members including autoworkers, actors, longshoremen, Teamsters, writers, warehouse workers, health care workers and more are scoring big wins and big pay raises. These union wins. Together, they are contributing to higher wages and renewed protests. The middle class built America, and unions continue to build and expand it for all workers. of” Mr. Biden said: In a statement.This aerial photo shows the Volkswagen Automotive Assembly Plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on March 20, 2024. Ilya Nouberge | Getty ImagesUAW President Sean Fein and others viewed this week's vote as benefiting the union. The perfect shot for organizing Records of the contract between the VW factory and the Detroit automaker after the strike. These agreements included significant wage increases, reinstatement of cost-of-living adjustments, and other benefits.The successful organizing effort came days after six Republican governors from southern states, including Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, issued a joint statement. Condemns UAW promotion to organize in their states;“We have worked tirelessly for our constituents to bring good-paying jobs to our state. These jobs are part of the fabric of the auto manufacturing industry. Unionization would certainly jeopardize jobs in the state — in fact, it's been a year since all UAW automakers announced layoffs. statement Said.The UAW previously failed to organize the Volkswagen plant in 2014 and 2019 as it faced greater outside political pressure and worker opposition. Five years ago, workers refused to unionize by a slim margin of 833 to 776.UAW President Sean Fein greets members participating in a rally in support of the union's strike at UAW Local 551 Hall on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, on October 7, 2023.Jim Vondruska | Getty ImagesThe union will now focus on negotiations with VW. Also, Expected organizational vote Mercedes-Benz employees work at the SUV factory in Vance, Alabama.Workers at the facility filed NLRB paperwork earlier this month seeking a formal election to join the UAW. The NLRB announced Thursday that voting for 5,200 workers will take place from May 13 to May 17.”The first thing you have to do to win is believe you can win.” Fein Speaking to Mercedes-Benz employees last month. “That this job gets better. That your life gets better. And that they're worth fighting for. That's why we stand up. That's why you're here today.” Because deep down you believe it is possible.”Mr. Fein had previously vowed to expand beyond the Big Three and globally. “Big Five or Big Six” By the time the four-and-a-half year contract with the Detroit automaker expires in 2028.Don't miss exclusive information on CNBC PROThursday's biggest analyst calls: Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, Amazon, eBay, Zoom, JetBlue, BJ's and moreIf you're worried about a correction and overinvested in NVIDIA, replace it with these solid growth stocks instead.Charts say it may be time for investors to sell Nvidia on the next pullbackWall Street is bullish on copper thanks to AI. 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https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/19/vw-workers-in-tennessee-vote-to-join-uaw-in-historic-win-for-union.html Tennessee VW workers vote to join UAW, marking historic union victory
