Anti-UAW Group Responds to Recent UAW Claims

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The United Auto Workers and their rival, American Council of Employees, are both vying for Volkswagen’s recognition.

The UAW believes an upcoming policy change by Volkswagen is in the works right now, and they think it will lead to union representation.

Senator Bo Watson, says, "I guess I’ll wait to hear more information."

Some state leaders are not quite convinced that UAW’s Local 42 will be recognized by Volkswagen.

Watson adds, "We’ve contended all along that creates some challenges for us, but not challenges we can’t overcome."

Others, like ACE, are taking stand against these new developments.

They set up a headquarters near the factory.

Mike Burton, a Volkswagen employee and member of ACE, says, "Until I see it, it shouldn’t be believed by anybody. They can wave around their letter and say what they want to, but we still have not seen any official communication from Volkswagen of Chattanooga stating that they have any sort of partnership with Local 42."

Former city councilman Manny Rico tells us the UAW should drop its challenge to the February union vote and move on.

Rico adds, "There was a time when unions were necessary. They were good. They did a lot of good things, but that’s in the past. Now, there’s laws that protect the workers. So, I think it causes trouble and friction with the workers."

There are passionate, persistent workers on both sides of the argument.

Do Volkswagen employees need representation?

Only time will tell what Volkswagen decides to do with this back and forth banter.

The UAW believes Volkswagen’s policy change will be announced later this week.