UAW launching new union organizing effort at Volkswagen Chattanooga

Union announces new campaigns at 13 non-unionized automakers

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – Now that they have resolved a new contract with Ford and GM, the United Auto Workers is targeting other non-unionized auto workers including those at the Volkswagen Chattanooga plant.

Union officials announced the drive on Wednesday against BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Lucid, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Rivian, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.

Launching several campaigns at once is a new tactic for the union.

Right now, that means workers will be asked to sign electronic cards supporting unionizing their plant.

Workers have rejected the UAW twice in Chattanooga, in 2014 and again in 2019.

In the last vote, just over half of the workers voted against unionization.

Volkswagen has a different relationship with unions than many of their competitors.

They have work councils for each, and have even invited UAW representation for theirs in Chattanooga.

However most VW plants worldwide are unionized.

Just in the last few weeks, the company announced a pay hike for Chattanooga workers.

They were following suit of other non-unionized companies offering raises that reflected the new UAW deal with General Motors, Ford Motor and Stellantis.

UAW President Shawn Fain says workers at those companies can thank their strike for the new wage hikes.

Here is the pitch he made in a video posted on Wednesday.