Volkswagen Workers in Chattanooga to Vote on Strike Authorization

Chattanooga, TN – After more than 13 months of negotiations, Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee have announced a strike authorization vote to take place on Tuesday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 29.  

The move comes after months of unfair labor practices committed by the company, including bad faith negotiations, unlawful intimidation, and the unilateral cutting of jobs at Volkswagen’s only US assembly plant. 

Volkswagen made $20.6 billion in profits in 2024, and generates a full 20 percent of its profits in North America. The company can afford to provide a union contract that honors the hardworking autoworkers of Chattanooga. 

"I don't want to strike, but if it comes to it, I will,” said Volkswagen worker Mitchell Harris. “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." 

“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,” said Taylor Fugate. “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!” 

“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,” said James Robinson. “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.” 

The UAW has been clear that the company’s offer still falls short in four key areas: 

1) Job Security: Volkswagen’s proposal does not include the language needed to protect workers from plant closures, outsourcing, or the sale of the Chattanooga facility. These protections cost the company nothing—but mean everything to workers and their families.

2) Affordable Healthcare: Volkswagen’s proposal falls far short of the affordable, high-quality healthcare that’s standard for 150,000 UAW autoworkers across the country. Workers deserve equal treatment, not higher costs.

3) Wages That Keep Up With the Cost of Living: Volkswagen can solve this today by simply signing off on the proposal they already offered — so workers’ paychecks don’t lose value as costs rise.

4) Respect and Dignity on the Job: Volkswagen workers are fighting for a union contract that ensures members can use their earned PTO, are protected from punitive drug testing, and have adequate breaks to recover from the physical demands of the job.

The UAW sent a counterproposal to the company on October 15 addressing 14 remaining critical items centered on these four pillars: job security, fair wages, affordable healthcare, and respect and dignity on the job. 

If Volkswagen accepts the counteroffer, the union will recommend ratification. If not, members will prepare for a strike authorization vote and further action as needed. 

A strike authorization gives the elected UAW bargaining committee the authority to call a strike if need be. No strike date has been set, and the UAW bargaining committee has continued to request further negotiations with Volkswagen management, who has refused to meet. 

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