Volkswagen Workers Ratify First Union Contract with 96% Approval

Volkswagen employees at the Chattanooga plant have overwhelmingly approved their inaugural union contract, marking a significant milestone with a 96 percent vote in favor. This landmark agreement secures a 20 percent hike in wages, reduced healthcare expenses, job security assurances, and a robust grievance procedure, among other benefits. The vote concludes an extensive campaign by the workers to affiliate with the UAW and achieve improved working conditions.

For media use, b-roll and photos from the ratification event are available.

“Volkswagen workers have moved yet another mountain,” stated UAW President Shawn Fain. “From having the courage to stand up and form their union, to having the backbone to authorize a strike and hold out for a contract that honors their worth, VW workers are leading the way for the entire labor movement and non-union autoworkers everywhere. Welcome to the UAW family.”

In a decisive move in April 2024, more than 3,000 workers at the Chattanooga facility opted to join the UAW. By October 2025, after extensive negotiations, employees voted to strike for a fair contract. A tentative agreement was reached in early February and has now been officially approved.

“This victory shows what happens when workers stand up and refuse to be ignored. We didn’t just win better wages and raise standards at our plant — we forced respect onto the table and got it all in writing,” commented Yogi Peoples, a Bargaining Committee member from Assembly. “Our victory here at Volkswagen should send a message to autoworkers everywhere: don’t let management divide you. When workers fight together – united and unafraid — we can beat the odds and win!”

UAW Region 8 Director Tim Smith remarked, “Southern autoworkers are standing up, and I expect many more to follow Volkswagen’s lead. Workers are done being left behind, and VW is just the first step towards justice for autoworkers everywhere. Who are we? U-A-W!”

The decision to unionize was supported by a 3-to-1 vote in 2024, with backing from the Volkswagen Works Council and IG Metall. Following their union victory, workers formed a 20-member negotiating committee comprised of colleagues. After months of discussions, the contract signifies a pivotal moment for nonunion and Southern manufacturing workers, granting legally binding assurances for fair wages, affordable healthcare, safer workplace conditions, and protection against favoritism.

Further details of the agreement can be found at UAW.org/VW.