Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, made history on April 19, 2024, by voting to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. This marks the first time a Southern auto factory has approved a union through an election since the 1940s. The UAW's victory comes after two previous failed attempts in 2013 and 2019.
The vote was significant, with nearly three quarters of the eligible workers casting their ballots in favor of unionization. Of the over 4,300 workers at the plant, more than 3,600 participated in the election.
Joseph McMullen and other Volkswagen colleagues were expecting strong support for the UAW but were surprised by the overwhelming results. When the final victory was announced, members of the crowd jumped, cheered and hugged.
The UAW's success at Volkswagen could position them to replicate their showing at other auto manufacturers throughout the South. At least 30% of workers have signed cards authorizing the UAW to represent them at Hyundai in Alabama and Toyota in Missouri, setting the stage for potential future elections.
The union's victory comes despite opposition from Republican elected officials and anti-union groups. The UAW had previously tried to partner with Volkswagen management for a works council but faced backlash. However, the changing cultural landscape and strong worker support made it difficult for opponents to sway the outcome.
Shawn Fain, UAW president, is targeting Tesla as part of their ambitious organizing drive aimed at unionizing 150,000 workers at non-union auto plants around the US. The UAW's victory could set off a wave of unionization efforts in the industry.
The win comes after years of scandals and declining membership for the UAW. However, under Fain's leadership, they staged a successful strike against Ford, General Motors and Stellantis last year that led to favorable new contracts for 145,000 workers.
The UAW's ability to organize Southern workers will be tested again in May when workers at the Mercedes-Benz plant near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, vote on whether they also want to join the union. President Biden responded directly to those governors who opposed the unionization efforts by stating that American workers have a right to form a union if they choose.
The UAW's victory at Volkswagen is significant as it gives them a factory-wide foothold at a major foreign automaker in the South. It remains to be seen how this will impact the industry and labor movement as a whole.
