Volkswagen Chattanooga workers authorize strike over failed contract talks

Volkswagen Workers in Chattanooga Vote for Potential Strike Amid Contract Disputes

Chattanooga, TN – In an unprecedented move, employees at Volkswagen's Chattanooga factory have voted to authorize a strike, marking the first of its kind at a non-Big Three automaker in the modern era. This decision follows more than a year of stalled contract negotiations without reaching an agreement deemed fair by the workers.

The call for a strike comes amid allegations of unfair labor practices by Volkswagen, such as negotiating in bad faith, engaging in illegal intimidation, and reducing jobs at its sole U.S. assembly plant.

Despite recording $20.6 billion in profits in 2024, with 20 percent of its earnings coming from North America, Volkswagen has yet to offer a contract aligning with the expectations of Chattanooga's autoworkers.

The automaker's latest offer lacks crucial job security assurances, which are vital for safeguarding against potential plant closures, outsourcing, or selling the Chattanooga facility. Such protections come at no cost to the company but hold immense value for the workforce and their families.

Authorizing a strike allows the UAW bargaining committee to decide on initiating a strike if necessary. No strike date has been scheduled, and the UAW continues to push for further negotiations, though Volkswagen management has declined to engage.

Mitchell Harris, a worker at Volkswagen, expressed his position, stating, "I don’t want to strike, but if it comes to it, I will. Because I feel that all my brothers and sisters of UAW Local 42 deserve respect, to provide a better life for their families, and have job security for us and generations to come."

Taylor Fugate, another employee, noted, “I’m voting yes to get Volkswagen to come back to the table. The majority of the people I know don’t want VW’s ‘final offer.’ They want to keep negotiating, and we are willing to do what it takes to make that happen. We need affordable healthcare and a strong job security statement that leaves no gray area. We also deserve equal standards – Southern autoworkers shouldn’t be treated differently!”

James Robinson added, “I’m voting yes because this is the time to show Volkswagen we are serious about receiving industry-standard treatment. Job security’s essential. They could pay us $100 an hour, but it means nothing if they close the plant two weeks into the agreement. I’m hoping this process shows the company we are serious about getting a fair contract. We will show them their offer wasn’t enough, show them we’re willing to stand up to get what we deserve.”