by
Coming off successful contract talks with the Big 3 Automakers, the UAW is flexing its muscle, trying to expand its reach in traditionally non-union auto companies.
On Monday, the UAW announced that Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tenn., have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for a vote to join the UAW. A supermajority of Volkswagen workers have signed union cards in just 100 days, the union said.
“Today, we are one step closer to making a good job at Volkswagen into a great career,” said Isaac Meadows, a production team member in assembly, according to a UAW press release. “Right now, we miss time with our families because so much of our paid-time-off is burned up during the summer and winter shutdowns. We shouldn’t have to choose between our family and our job. By winning our union and a real voice at Volkswagen, we can negotiate for more time with our families.”
The milestone marks the first non-union auto plant to file for a union election among the dozens of auto plants where workers have been organizing in recent months, the press release said.
In the past, the UAW has not had success making inroads in major, non-union auto plants.
