Chattanooga VW Workers Demand ‘Record Contract’ Following Historic Union Vote!

After a landmark decision to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) in April, Chattanooga, Tennessee Volkswagen factory employees held a rally on Sunday, gearing up for their inaugural negotiation round with the company next week.

The workers at the Chattanooga plant made history as the first Southern auto manufacturers not connected with any of the Big Three car firms to secure a union through voting.

“You showed courage and determination a few months ago by voting 3-1 to join the UAW,” union president Shawn Fain addressed the gathered workers, saying, “You displayed faith, moved mountains, faced down opposition, and achieved your union victory.”

“Given the profits you’re producing, Volkswagen could double your salaries, maintain the same prices, and still rake in billions. It’s a matter of choice.”

At a rally commencing at 1:30 pm Eastern Time on Sunday, Fain informed the assembled workers that they are now poised for the “next phase.”

“We say to Volkswagen, ready your pens, because it’s time to formalize this,” said Fain.

As negotiations approach, the UAW plans to put forth several demands to Volkswagen, including enhanced health and safety measures; competitive salaries with provisions for cost of living allowances, profit sharing, and no wage tiers; upgraded paid leave policies; increased retirement security; affordable healthcare; and union rights such as due process, union representation, paid time for union activities, job training, and equitable promotion policies.

Fain cautioned the workers that the company and mainstream media might resort to scare tactics regarding the union’s demands.

“They will claim that our righteous battle for a quality lifestyle for the working class will ruin the economy or obstruct the transition to EV,” said Fain, adding, “The only economy that’s going to be ruined is their economy that only favors the wealthy and corporate elite.”

Fain shared data indicating that Volkswagen’s profits have surged by 49% since 2021 compared to the preceding three years, raking in $24 billion in profits in 2023 alone. Instead of distributing this substantial profit fairly among workers and the local economy, CEO Oliver Blume received $10.5 million and wealthy shareholders received $12.7 billion. Shareholders have seen their dividends increase by 288% within two years.

“This is billions of dollars that have been taken from the workers who contributed to these profits,” Fain stated. “Billions that weren’t invested in the EV transition. Billions splurged on luxurious mansions in distant countries and private yachts in exclusive marinas, instead of being reinvested into the local Tennessee businesses.”

Simultaneously, Chattanooga plant workers have manufactured over 1.5 million vehicles, generating over $50 billion in sales since 2011.

“You’re the heart and soul of this plant, the backbone of this company, and you’re entitled to a fair share of the wealth you generate,” Fain stated, adding, “With the type of profits you’re making, Volkswagen could double your pay, keep prices stable, and still earn billions. It’s a matter of choice.”

Ultimately, Fain attributed the statistics he presented to one factor: “corporate greed.”

Fain acknowledged that the Chattanooga employees were entering their first union contract negotiations approximately a year after UAW employees at the Big Three automobile companies staged their historic “stand up strike,” ultimately achieving record-breaking contracts from General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis.

“Ever since that moment, workers everywhere, including here at Volkswagen, have been standing up against corporate greed and demanding their rightful share in the economy,” said Fain.

Addressing the Chattanooga workers, he said, “Now is the moment for you to secure a record contract and make history once more.”