You can’t unionize autoworkers in the South, they said.
Well, whoever “they” are, they were wrong. Because, on Friday, 73 percent of Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted to become the first non-union auto plant to unionize in decades, and the first foreign-owned auto plant to unionize in the South, period.
This happened despite a union-busting campaign so fierce that even governors in the South got on board, sending out a letter last week warning workers not to organize, telling them that “The experience in our states is when employees have a direct relationship with their employers, that makes for a more positive working environment.”
Clearly, the employees didn’t think so.
“This election is big,” said Kelcey Smith, a worker in the paint department at Volkswagen. “People in high places told us good things can’t happen here in Chattanooga. They told us this isn’t the time to stand up, this isn’t the place. But we did stand up and we won. This is the time; this is the place. Southern workers are ready to stand up and win a better life.”
“We saw the big contract that UAW workers won at the Big Three and that got everybody talking,” said Zachary Costello, a trainer in VW’s proficiency room. “You see the pay, the benefits, the rights UAW members have on the job, and you see how that would change your life. That’s why we voted overwhelmingly for the union. Once people see the difference a union makes, there’s no way to stop them.”
“This is a movement for every blue-collar worker in America,” said Doug Snyder, a body worker at Volkswagen. “Our vote shows that workers everywhere want a better life on and off the job. Fair pay is important, but so is time with our families. So is a voice for safety in our plant. We’re looking forward to getting to the bargaining table with the company and winning a contract that makes things right at Volkswagen.”
