Volkswagen and UAW Reach Tentative Agreement

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The UAW and Volkswagen have reached a tentative agreement.

The UAW says 3,200 workers at Volkswagen Chattanooga have won a tentative contract deal that provides 20 percent across-the-board wage increases, affordable health care, real job security, and more.

The agreement holds the following, according to the UAW:

• Major Wage Increases – 20% GWI
  Substantial raises that begin to close the gap with industry standards and reflect Volkswagen’s record profits.
• Improved High-Quality Health Care with No Increases
  Lower out-of-pocket costs, improved coverage, and protections that ensure no worker must choose between medical care and basic needs.
• Big Bonuses Initial bonuses equaling $6,550 per worker upon ratification and additional annual bonuses of $2,550 for the life of the agreement. Thousands of dollars of additional compensation for each worker.
• Job Security Protections
  Strong language against unilateral job cuts, shift reductions, and outsourcing—making sure VW keeps good union jobs in Chattanooga.
• Stronger Health & Safety Standards
  Enforceable safety rules, dedicated union safety representatives, and a greater worker voice in identifying and fixing hazards on the job.
• Paid Time Off & Scheduling Protections
  Guaranteed paid leave, fair scheduling requirements, and safeguards against forced overtime and favoritism.
• Fair Discipline & Grievance Rights
  Clear, enforceable protections against unfair discipline and a transparent, worker-centered grievance process.
• A Real Voice on the Job
  Rights that ensure workers have a say in day-to-day decisions that shape their work, their safety, and their future.

“For years, Chattanooga workers were told to settle for less while Volkswagen made record profits. So, the workers stood together and won their union—and now they’ve secured a life-changing first agreement. This deal proves what happens when autoworkers stand up and demand their fair share. People said Southern autoworkers could never form a union or win a union contract. Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga said, ‘Watch this.’”

–  UAW President Shawn Fain said.

They say workers will receive details of the tentative agreement in the coming days, followed by a ratification vote.