Volkswagen employees of the Chattanooga plant completed their voting today on the question of unionization. 89% of the Tennessee plant’s work force turned out to vote and 53% said “no” to the United Auto Workers (UAW) representation. The majority has spoken and the plant will not be unionized (at least this time around).
There was a lot of pressure from all sides. However, Tennessee lawmakers were pushing against unionization, while Volkswagen tried to stay as neutral as possible. However, company’s interests do not align with unionization. The no vote is likely to be followed by the expansion of the plant to also produce the upcoming VW CrossBlue midsize crossover and more state tax subsidies to the factory. Chattanooga plant currently assembles the Volkswagen Passat sedan.
The election was conducted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) between February 12 – 14.
Volkswagen released this statement tonight:
“Volkswagen Chattanooga employees have voted in a secret ballot election against United Auto Workers (UAW) representation.”
“On behalf of Volkswagen Group of America, I want to thank all of our Chattanooga production and maintenance employees for their participation in this week’s vote. They have spoken, and Volkswagen will respect the decision of the majority,” said Frank Fischer, CEO and Chairman of Volkswagen Chattanooga. “The election results remain to be certified by the NLRB,” Fischer, said.
Watch this insider TFLcar video from the Chattanooga Volkswagen plant.
