UAW Backs Out of Appeals Process

CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The United Auto Workers withdrew its objections to the lost election at Chattanooga’s Volkswagen Plant just minutes before their case was to be heard by the National Labor Relations Board.

Maury Nicely, an Attorney with Southern Momentum, says, "Absolutely, I was surprised. We were fully prepared for an extended hearing and so it did come as a surprise this morning to hear we wouldn’t be having any hearing."

Attorneys with the National Right to Work Foundation were just as surprised.

John Raudabaugh, with the National Right to Work Foundation, says, "We were quite surprised at the last minute that the driving force behind all of this is willing to pull it back and walk away."

Glenn Taubmna, also with the National Right to Work Foundation, adds, "Now that I got over the shock and surprise, it doesn’t surprise me because this whole proceeding was a charade from the get go."

Now, the UAW didn’t want to talk on camera, but they did issue a statement.

It reads in part, "The UAW based its decision on the belief that the NLRB’s historically dysfunctional and complex process potentially could drag on for months or even years."

The UAW also took to the airways Monday on WGOW

Gary Casteel, with the UAW, said another reason they backed out was because state leaders, who were clearly against the union, did not cooperate despite being subpoenaed.

Casteel adds, "Never have we encountered this type ideological stance by elected officials."

Those against union representation in Chattanooga say this fight was political.

Taubman says, "The union lost fair and square and they attempted to drag the entire state of Tennessee and every one of their perceived political opponents through the mud."

Senator Bob Corker also issued a statement.

It reads in part, "This 11th hour reversal by the UAW affirms what we’ve said all along — that their objection was nothing more than a sideshow to draw attention away from their stinging loss in Chattanooga."

Now, the only thing all sides can agree on is that it’s time to move on and let the automaker get back to building cars.

The UAW says at some point it will again work to bring a union to Chattanooga’s Volkswagen Plant.