VW workers reject union at Tenn. plant, damage efforts to organize in South
2/14/2014CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Workers at a Volkswagen factory in Tennessee have rejected the United Auto Workers union.
The 712 to 626 vote is a devastating blow to the union and its efforts to organize other Southern plants run by foreign automakers.
About 1,500 workers were eligible to vote during three days of balloting that ended late today.
Experts say it was the best chance for the union to gain a foothold in the South, where it’s been shunned by other workers.
Volkswagen tacitly endorsed the union and even allowed organizers into the plant to make their sales pitch.