UAW Challenges Results of Volkswagen Chattanooga Vote with NLRB

Home  >  WOT  >  UAW Challenges Results Volkswagen  cattanoga Vote with NLRB In a decision that was seen as pivotal to the organization's long-term survival, the defeat of United Auto Workers representation at Volkswagen's Chattanooga, Tennessee plant was a major disappointment to the organization, which was hoping that successful organization of that plant could lead to more conquests at foreign-owned auto plants in the Southeast. But the UAW is not taking the results of the election lying down, and on Friday filed an appeal with the National Labor Relations Board, citing "interference by politicians and outside interest groups." However, even with the vocal anti-union campaign led by U.S. senator Bob Corker, and other right-to-work groups, the burden is on the UAW to prove illegal or unethical activity. Labor law does not prohibit what outside observers can say about a union election, as long as the opinions expressed are their own, and are not representing plant management. Volkswagen has met with the UAW multiple times, and gave the organization unusual access to talk to the plants employees. The organization hoped to leverage the model of "works council" employee representatives at its plants in Europe as a foot in the door. Some have interpreted U.S. labor law as only allowing for a works council arrangement through a recognized third-party union. Under the Obama administration, the majority of NLRB board members are Democrats, and some believe that could make the board's ruling more favorable to the UAW, but does not insure an automatic victory. Source: Reuters