NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — The United Auto Workers union announced this week that it has opened a union local office in Chattanooga.
Earlier this year the UAW suffered a stinging defeat when workers at the Volkswagen assembly plant there rejected union representation by a narrow margin.
The union initially tried to challenge the result, citing interference from Tennessee elected officials.
At a press conference called to announce the local’s opening, UAW Secretary-Treasurer Gary Casteel claimed the union now has VW’s tacit approval to try a different path toward worker representation.
"We’ve had an ongoing discussion with Volkswagen and have arrived at a consensus with the company. Upon UAW Local 42 signing up a meaningful portion of the Chattanooga workforce we’re confident the company will recognize Local 42 by dealing with its members as a member union.”
Casteel urged state officials to move ahead with plans to provide Volkswagen with the financial incentives the company says it needs to bring a second vehicle assembly line to Tennessee.