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Monday, March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

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VW policy for Tenn. plant sets off labor scramble

The Columbian
Published:

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — In rival camps located about a mile apart, both supporters and opponents of the United Auto Workers’ efforts to unionize their first foreign auto plant in the South say a new labor policy at the Volkswagen factory is going to help them.

The new policy, known as “Community Organization Engagement,” establishes formal rules for labor groups at the plant for the first time. What the effects will be is still up for debate.

To some, the policy may open the door to the union eventually representing all workers in contract negotiations. To others, it may undercut the union by giving an opposing group an official voice at the plant.

The outcome is being closely watched in the U.S. and abroad. Other German and Asian automakers in the South are keenly monitoring developments, as are anti-union Republicans.

And the company, with perhaps the most to say, isn’t saying much at all.

“Let’s let this play out and see how it goes,” said Volkswagen Chattanooga spokesman Scott Wilson.

The policy works like this: Groups that can sign up at least 15 percent of workers get access to plant meeting space and regular meetings with management. Groups that sign up to 30 percent or 45 percent of employees get more access.

While the guidelines explicitly steer clear of questions of collective bargaining, the UAW sees it as an opportunity to begin erasing its narrow defeat in a union vote at the plant in February.

“It’s just one step toward recognition,” UAW Local 42 President Mike Cantrell said in the union’s Chattanooga office.

A rival group, the American Council of Employees, recently set up shop nearby.

Interim President Sean Moss said the group is recruiting workers to present an alternate voice for employees. He said its core membership is made up of the same workers who spearheaded the opposition to the UAW in February.

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