UAW officials say they will “soon” propose a works council be established at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga factory in Tennessee as the union hails progress towards meeting the automaker in the US.
The labour body was thwarted earlier this year in its attempt to set up a formal union – and in the teeth of vociferous political opposition, notably from senator Bob Corker – but it appears the Local 42 grouping is becoming more influential at Volkswagen.
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“The company [Volkswagen] has made clear its intent to deal with unions,” said UAW Region 8 director, Ray Curry. “We will soon be proposing a formal proposal to establish a works council partnership.
“An American-style works council with a Tennessee flavour. We will be creating something new with the global works council.
“We are ready to fully take part in the Volkswagen philosophy and culture. This did not happen overnight – it will take time to play out.”
Despite hostility from some political quarters, UAW secretary-treasurer, Gary Casteel, struck a conciliatory note, offering to “sit down” with those opposed to unionism in the state and discuss differences.
“Our commitment was we would negotiate the first American works council – that situation has not changed,” said Casteel.
“At some point, we do need to get to the point of collective bargaining and exclusive representation, but obviously that is not today’s track.
“We would not put time constraints on ourselves. We have to start having a dialogue and from there see if we can grow this situation.”
Casteel insisted no other union had put itself forward at Chattanooga, but conceded the exclusivity question “could be difficult” if more labour bodies had expressed an interest.
“No other union has stepped forward to say they want to participate,” he said.
Volkswagen in the US and Germany was not immediately available for comment.
