Volkswagen Chattanooga employees poised to vote on contentious unionization move

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Soon, employees at Volkswagen Chattanooga will vote on whether or not they will unionize and join the United Auto Workers (UAW).

It's a decision that some Hamilton County officials have publicly spoken against.

Governor Bill Lee joined those voices Monday, saying that unionizing would be a "big mistake."

Despite these outcries, employees are not backing down.

Gov. Lee made the remarks Monday at Chattanooga's office of the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Workers at VW will vote later in April whether to allow the United Auto Workers (UAW) union establish itself there.

Pro-union forces say Volkswagen has not provided adequate safety measures, pay and benefits for its workers.

"I'm a person who understands that skilled workers in this state are crucial," Gov. Lee says.

Many Volkswagen workers in favor of unionization say a union would lead to higher wages and more respect in the workplace.

Governor Bill Lee encourages VW workers to think about their ability to choose.

"I believe it would be a big mistake for those workers to risk their future by giving up the freedom to decide it themselves and hand that over to a negotiator on their behalf," Gov. Lee says.

Volkswagen tells us they support their worker's democratic process.

Governor Lee says he does not believe workers should join the union.

"I think it'd be a mistake for them to vote to join a union. We've seen union decline in many places all across this country for the last decade. And we've seen plants close that made the decision to go union. So I hope that's not what happens here," Gov. Lee says.

Isaac Meadows is a VW worker and a volunteer organizer for the UAW.

He says...

"We’re working to form our union in order to build a more sustainable future for VW workers and our families. We know that we can improve our jobs in ways that help the long-term success of our community here in Chattanooga. This is our decision, not a decision for people who do not work in the plant, and politicians are not going to tell us what to do.”

Governor Lee disagrees.

He says both elected officials and everyday people should weigh in on the process.

"There's a reason that companies have come here and the work environment that we have, the right to work state that we are. There's a reason for that. So it's entirely appropriate for people in the community to have thoughts about it," Gov. Lee says.

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp says he still has his concerns about the UAW...

"My concern is just that we will likely, over the next decade, become a part of the UAW broader story of decline."

Last week, the UAW told us they plan to hold the unionization votes on April 17, 18, and 19.

Volkswagen has said it would support any decision by the workers.