On the Dash:
- Volkswagen Chattanooga workers will vote on strike authorization October 28–29 amid stalled contract negotiations.
- The UAW cites gaps in job security, healthcare, wages, and workplace respect as the central issues.
- Union leaders are showing seriousness by authorizing a strike, but they have not set a date yet, as negotiations with management remain stalled.
Volkswagen workers at the Chattanooga assembly plant are set to vote on strike authorization on October 28–29 after more than 13 months of stalled negotiations over wages, job security, healthcare, and workplace protections. The move comes as the United Auto Workers (UAW) says Volkswagen has engaged in unfair labor practices, including bad faith negotiations, intimidation, and unilateral job cuts.
Volkswagen reported $20.6 billion in profits in 2024, with 20% generated in North America, giving workers leverage to push for a contract that meets industry standards.
Union members say the company’s current proposal falls short in four key areas:
- Job security: Current language does not protect against plant closures, outsourcing, or the sale of the Chattanooga facility.
- Affordable healthcare: Volkswagen’s offer falls short of the standard provided to 150,000 UAW members nationwide.
- Wages: Workers seek pay that keeps pace with rising living costs.
- Respect and dignity: Members demand fair PTO policies, protection from punitive drug testing, and adequate breaks to meet the physical demands of the job.
The UAW submitted a counterproposal on October 15 addressing 14 critical items within these four pillars. If Volkswagen accepts, the union will recommend ratification. If not, the strike authorization vote will proceed, giving the bargaining committee authority to call a strike if necessary. No strike date has been set, and Volkswagen management has so far refused to return to the negotiating table.
Workers stressed that the vote is not a desire to strike, but a demonstration of seriousness in securing fair treatment.
