After their unionization victory earlier this year, Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, TN, are set to begin contract negotiations Sept. 19, seeking to establish a precedent-setting agreement for wages, benefits and worker protections.
This follows the decisive April vote where employees voted nearly 3 to 1 in favor of joining the United Auto Workers (UAW.
“Our victory in April was just the beginning,” said Samuel Gallardo, an assembly line worker at Volkswagen. “Now we are focused on winning a contract that reflects the hard work and dedication of every worker here. We’ve shown that when we stand together, we win -- first our union, and soon a contract that guarantees higher wages, better benefits and a brighter future for all.”
As the countdown to the negotiation table begins, union members are rallying to demonstrate their unity and resolve. A pre-negotiation rally is planned to show the collective strength and support of the workforce, featuring speeches from workers, union leaders, and community advocates.
“This contract is about more than just numbers -- it’s about dignity, respect and real security for our families,” said Bashaar Al-Hussieni, a worker at the Chattanooga plant. “We voted for the union because we knew we deserved better. Now we’re ready to make sure that our first contract delivers on that promise.”
Drawing inspiration from successful negotiations at the Big Three and Daimler Truck, the 20-person elected bargaining committee at Volkswagen has been diligently preparing. They have synthesized survey data reflecting the workers' aspirations and reviewed industry standards to formulate their negotiation strategy. Assisting them is Chuck Browning, UAW vice president and veteran negotiator, who brings a wealth of experience from past successful contracts with major automotive manufacturers like Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.
