PRESS STATEMENT “We will continue to stand ready to ensure that labor rights are upheld worldwide”

The United Auto Workers (UAW), the U.S. auto workers’ union, narrowly lost the election for union representation at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Jörg Hofmann, President of IG Metall and Vice Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Volkswagen AG, expressed regret over the election result: “In a secret ballot, the majority of Volkswagen employees in Chattanooga decided not to have their interests represented by a union. I respect this decision.” Hofmann viewed the election outcome as further evidence of how difficult it is for unions to gain a foothold in the traditionally very anti-union Southern states of the U.S. “Although the UAW addressed key issues for employees—such as pay, overtime, and workplace safety—it ultimately wasn’t enough. I deeply regret this.”

In total, approximately 1,700 production and maintenance workers were eligible to vote from June 12 to 14, 2019. 776 workers voted in favor of union representation, while 833 voted against it. The vote was preceded by massive efforts by Republican politicians and anti-union lobby groups to dissuade workers from electing union representation. “Unfortunately, there is suspicion that local management also failed to remain neutral. Should this suspicion be confirmed, it would constitute a serious violation of the Volkswagen Group’s compliance policies, which cannot go unpunished. We will investigate this matter and draw the necessary conclusions.”

IG Metall provided intensive support to the UAW during the union election with letters of solidarity, photos, and videos from all German VW sites and many VW sites worldwide. In total, unions from more than 20 countries participated in the solidarity actions. “International solidarity is deeply rooted in IG Metall. This was demonstrated by the broad support from our VW colleagues in Germany. They will continue to stand ready when it comes to ensuring that union rights are upheld worldwide. Even setbacks like this one will not deter us,” said Hofmann.