Volkswagen Works Council leader backs union effort
The general secretary of the Volkswagen Group’s European and Global Works Council is supporting the United Auto Workers effort to unionize the Chattanooga factory.
In a Facebook post, Dariusz Dabrowski said all the company’s assembly plants worldwide have “employee representation” except in Chattanooga.
“But that can change,” he said in German in the post translated into English. “The UAW is currently offering you an opportunity to do so. It’s time to consider co-determination and solidarity.”
Some 4,300 Volkswagen Chattanooga workers are scheduled to decide in April if they’ll align with the UAW after a secret ballot vote was approved Monday in a third election at the plant.
The election dates are April 17-19, as was proposed in a petition filed by the UAW last week.
Works councils, which are common in Europe, are panels of blue- and white-collar employees who talk with the company about issues such as safety, training and scheduling.
“We are committed to providing clear, transparent and timely information that helps educate our employees and managers on their legal rights and obligations.”
— EXCERPT FROM VOLKSWAGEN STATEMENT
Dabrowski said employee representation “is an instrument that strengthens and improves all of us.”
“Let’s work together for a better future where solidarity and codetermination are the basis for our working world,” he said. “I wish you a free, fair and successful election. We count on you and stand by you. As for me I have already made my choice. I support you for your election.”
Dabrowski said he expects neutrality from the company.
“In the past, this may not always have been the case, but we must not allow history to repeat itself,” he said.
The union lost elections at the plant in 2014 and 2019 by close margins. Volkswagen signed neutrality agreement with the UAW before the 2014 vote. In 2019, Volkswagen said during the union drive that it would remain neutral.
Volkswagen said in a recent statement the automaker respects workers’ right to determine who should represent their interests in the workplace.
“We are committed to providing clear, transparent and timely information that helps educate our employees and managers on their legal rights and obligations,” the statement said.
A Volkswagen Group of America spokesperson declined comment Tuesday.