UAW Members at VW Chattanooga Push for Fair Contract and Better Benefits

UAW Members at Volkswagen Chattanooga Seek Improved Labor Contract

CHATTANOOGA – The United Auto Workers (UAW) members at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga facility have released a new video highlighting their ongoing efforts to negotiate a first contract with the company. This video, entitled “Higher Wages,” is part of an ongoing series that underscores the primary demands from the workers.

Approximately 4,000 UAW members at Volkswagen are pushing for a contract that brings their benefits and wages in line with standards set by other unionized auto workers in the U.S. This move comes in light of Volkswagen's reported earnings of $24.4 billion in 2023. These workers are seeking a contract reflecting competitive wages, robust benefits, and protective measures akin to those at other major U.S. automotive companies. The current negotiations and a comparative analysis of Volkswagen’s offer against the Big Three contracts are available here.

The momentum from their unionization victory fuels the workers alongside their 20-member bargaining committee. They aim to ensure the contract terminates what they describe as exploitative practices since the plant's 2011 inauguration.

Key areas of negotiation include not only higher pay and affordable healthcare but also enhanced safety standards, fair scheduling, paid leave, protection from unjust discipline, and increased involvement in workplace decisions. Their objective is to secure equitable work conditions that appropriately reward their contributions.

The complete video series can be viewed online.

Caleb Michalski, a member of the VW Bargaining Committee, commented, “The fact that the shareholders made $12.7 billion last year and 34% of that goes to one family. And I’m just trying to afford groceries and my bills at the same time. I’ve never had a desire to be rich. I just want to be able to provide for my family and do normal American Dream stuff. That’s it.”

Letonja Berry, working in Assembly Logistics, stated, “Pay? We should be making more than what we’re making. We not asking for nothing that they don’t have. We all know that it’s corporate greed.”

Another Bargaining Committee member, Billy Quigg, shared his concerns about healthcare, saying, “I have three kids. Is their care covered? Am I at the right doctor? How is that going to impact me financially? I should never have to worry about that. I work for the world’s largest auto manufacturer.”

Vicky Holloway, focused on retirement benefits, mentioned, “For me, at my age, it’s making sure you’re taken care of after you leave Volkswagen. Making sure there is life after Volkswagen.”

The list of demands from the Volkswagen Chattanooga workers includes:

• Higher Wages
• Health Care
• Retirement
• Health & Safety
• Wages
• Fair Attendance & PTO

A significant issue for the workers is the inadequacy of their current health insurance. Unlike other UAW members nationwide who enjoy comprehensive health coverage with minimal out-of-pocket expenses, Volkswagen’s health benefits fall short in meeting the needs of Chattanooga employees.

Workers have been conducting one-on-one discussions to assess healthcare requirements, uncovering widespread financial challenges and even bankruptcy cases due to insufficient medical coverage. Many workers opt not to join the company’s health plan due to cost constraints.

Negotiations with Volkswagen began last September, yet the parties remain divided on critical issues like wages and healthcare. Workers urge management to address these matters more adequately in forthcoming proposals. The latest updates and comparison with other industry contracts can be accessed here.

The UAW bargaining team continues to rally member engagement, emphasizing the necessity of reaching a fair agreement that accurately values their labor. Through gate discussions and informational meetings, workers express their resolve not to settle for less than they deserve, indicating readiness to pursue necessary actions to achieve their goals.