Six Republican governors are criticizing the United Auto Workers' attempts to unionize car factories in their states. The labor group aims to expand its influence in the traditionally non-unionized Southern region following its achievements last year in negotiating with the Big Three automakers.
The Joint Statement of Labor Union's Criticism
Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas governors expressed significant concerns about the UAW's unionization campaign, citing misinformation and scare tactics. They emphasized their responsibility to defend constituents' jobs and uphold shared values by opposing outside interests that threaten them.
The governors criticized the UAW just before 4,300 Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tenn., began voting on whether to join the union. The factory, Volkswagen's North American electric vehicle assembly hub, saw close union votes in 2014 and 2019. Workers at the plant will vote from Wednesday through Friday evening.
Volkswagen has stated that it respects workers' right to vote to join the UAW. However, the governors who criticized the union drive argued against involving a third party to "pick up a box or flip a switch," while portraying the campaign as a tactic to support President Joe Biden's re-election.
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UAW strategist Chris Brooks remarked on social media in response to the governors' statement, saying they are so scared.
UAW's Commitment to Organizing Non-Union Companies
In the fall, the UAW negotiated record contracts for 150,000 workers at General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler-parent Stellantis. Following this, some non-union factories also announced pay increases for workers. After leading a six-week strike at these companies, UAW President Shawn Fain pledged to organize non-union companies throughout the industry, including foreign automakers with US operations and electric vehicle makers like Tesla.
In November, VW granted workers at the Chattanooga plant an 11% pay raise from $32.40 per hour. However, the UAW claimed that VW's pay still falls short compared to Detroit automakers. The agreements between the UAW and Detroit automakers included 25% pay raises by the contracts' end in April 2028. With cost-of-living adjustments, workers are expected to receive around a 33% increase, resulting in a top assembly wage of $42 per hour and annual profit sharing.
The UAW's Progress in Other Southern States
The union is making progress in other Southern states as well. A majority of workers at a Mercedes-Benz plant near Tuscaloosa, Alabama, signed cards in favor of joining the labor group.
On Thursday, the National Labor Relations Board announced that the Alabama vote would occur from May 13 to May 17 at facilities in Vance and Woodstock. As of the end of 2023, the Mercedes facilities had approximately 6,100 employees, with over 5,000 employees requesting the union vote, according to the UAW.
In response to the workers' petition, Mercedes-Benz US International expressed full respect for their team members' choice regarding unionization. It affirmed its commitment to allowing all workers to cast secret ballot votes and access the necessary information for making informed decisions during the election process. However, the UAW has accused Mercedes management of employing anti-union tactics in recent weeks, with federal labor charges filed against the company.
