UAW Makes More Claims Concerning Union Plans at Chattanooga Volkswagen Plant

The United Auto Workers says an upcoming policy change by Volkswagen would clear the way for it to become the first union to bargain on behalf of employees at a foreign automaker in the South.

In a letter to members of Local 42 in Chattanooga, union leaders cite "mutually agreed-upon commitments" outlined in a document signed by the German automaker and the union last spring.  Those included the union dropping its challenge to a February union vote at the plant and the UAW cooperating with the company’s efforts to win the production of a new SUV in Chattanooga.  In return, according to the letter, "Volkswagen committed in the document that it would recognize the UAW."

A group of workers who orchestrated the defeat of the UAW in a union vote earlier this year says not so fast.  That’s because the details of the new policy have yet to be released.

Both the UAW and the rival American Council of Employees expect it to outline the company’s plans to interact with community and labor groups at the plant.