Today’s American workforce requires significant courage to advocate for improved workplace conditions and a better future. The employees at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant, in their pursuit of UAW representation, exemplified such bravery and determination.
Federal labor law explicitly encourages collective bargaining and protects workers’ rights to organize freely. Union representation elections are designed to be democratic and fair, allowing employees to exercise their right to choose without coercion.
While Volkswagen, unlike many US employers, demonstrated neutrality regarding unionization, acknowledging the value of employee input in operational improvements, the election process in Chattanooga was far from ideal. It was conducted under intense external interference from politicians and special interest groups. These workers faced considerable opposition from powerful financial interests and their political allies.
Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson and other state politicians threatened to withdraw potential incentives for plant expansion if the unionization effort succeeded. Adding to this pressure, U.S. Senator Bob Corker publicly suggested that a vote against union representation would be rewarded with new product allocation to the Chattanooga plant.
The actions of Senator Corker and Governor Bill Haslam represent a concerning abuse of power, the full extent of which remains to be uncovered. There is a strong demand for transparency and accountability regarding this interference with Volkswagen workers’ rights, encompassing legal, political, and economic dimensions. This was not merely politicians expressing opinions; these were explicit threats intended to undermine the workers’ free choice in the election.
Groups like those associated with Grover Norquist and the Koch brothers, along with undisclosed entities, invested heavily in a misleading media campaign. This campaign aimed to create fear and uncertainty among Volkswagen workers, distorting the reality of union representation.
This assault extended beyond the rights of Volkswagen workers; it challenged fundamental democratic principles. The labor movement and its allies are committed to exposing those who seek to suppress essential freedoms for political and economic gain.
Every union election is fundamentally a struggle between hope and fear – hope for a better life both at work and beyond, and fear of retaliation from powerful entities for seeking improvement. In Chattanooga, this dynamic was starkly illustrated by the overt involvement of a senator, a governor, and substantial financial resources, all disseminating a message of fear and potential negative consequences for unionizing.
In this instance, the influence of organized money and intimidation tactics led to a temporary setback. However, history shows that such victories for fear and undue influence are not permanent.
The labor movement and the very foundation of the United States are built upon the enduring principle that hope ultimately prevails over fear.
Therefore, the AFL-CIO, representing 12.5 million workers, conveys this message to the Volkswagen employees: By advocating for yourselves, you champion the cause of all working individuals, and you are not alone in this fight.
We pledge our unwavering support to Volkswagen workers, and indeed to workers throughout the South and across the nation, until they achieve the fair and just workplaces that they, and all of us, deserve.
