In a historic win for organized labor, employees at a Volkswagen plant in Tennessee have decisively voted in favor of joining the United Automobile Workers (U.A.W.) union. This marks the first successful unionization of a nonunion auto plant in a Southern state.
Details of the Election
The election results, announced by the company, revealed that 2,628 workers voted in favor of joining the U.A.W., while 985 were opposed. This three-day election outcome signifies a significant achievement for the labor movement.
Breaking Anti-Union Sentiment
This victory is particularly noteworthy as it breaks through the prevalent anti-union sentiment that has long existed in the Southern region. Previous attempts by the U.A.W. to organize the Chattanooga factory had been narrowly defeated in the past decade.
Expansion of U.A.W. Influence
The U.A.W., known for representing workers in major automakers like General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis, has now set its sights on organizing more Southern plants. A key upcoming vote is scheduled at a Mercedes-Benz plant in Vance, Ala., with plans to organize multiple plants in the region in the coming years.