UAW wins big in historic union vote at Volkswagen Tennessee factory

CHATTANOOGA, Tennessee, (Reuters) - Workers at Volkswagen’s VOWG_p.DE Tennessee plant have voted to join the United Auto Workers, in a seismic victory for the union as it drives beyond its Detroit base into the U.S. South and West.

A majority of eligible workers cast ballots in favour of the union, with the final tally yesterday at 2,628 to 985, or 73% for joining the UAW.

The landslide win will make the Chattanooga factory the first auto plant in the South to unionize via election since the 1940s and the first foreign-owned auto plant in the South to do so.

It is also a huge shot in the arm for UAW President Shawn Fain’s campaign to unionize plants owned by more than a dozen automakers across the U.S., including Tesla TSLA.O. Fain, known for his aggressive bargaining tactics, and his team have committed to spending $40 million through 2026 on the effort.

Jubilant workers, some in tears, raised their arms in victory and held aloft “Union Yes” posters as the final tally came in.

“I’m exhilarated that we actually accomplished what we set out to accomplish,” said VW employee Lisa Elliott as she hugged her coworkers. “Tell Mercedes they’re next,” she cheered.

A Mercedes MBGn.DE plant in Alabama, at which a majority of workers have signed cards indicating they support unionization, will be the next facility to hold a UAW election, during the week of May 13.