The Chattanooga Times Free Press is reporting that United Auto Workers members have authorized a strike at the city’s Volkswagen facility.
A strike can be authorized by a two-thirds majority of those who cast a vote. The UAW did not disclose how many plant workers voted, nor what the margin of the vote was.
Some VW workers have expressed dissatisfaction with the strike authorization vote. Angelo Robinson said a majority of the plant’s employees would prefer to accept VW’s pending offer.
According to a report by a Chattanooga television station, Robinson said, “You really can’t beat what they’ve given us. That’s the feeling from a majority of the people at the plant. Why don’t we get to sign this contract? If the union is really about us, how come we don’t get to make that choice?”
The Free Press quotes worker Jose Sandy as saying he voted against the strike because the company’s offer is fair. By not accepting the offer, workers risk losing a $1,500 ratification bonus.
“Most of the people I talk to are shaking their heads,” Sandy is quoted by the newspaper as saying.
Sandy said he voted for joining the UAW in April 2024 but now is not sure.
“After this one year, I’m not really convinced,” he said.