The Triumph of Organized Labor in the American South

In a groundbreaking move, Volkswagen workers in Tennessee have successfully voted to become a union shop. The election results, released on Friday, revealed an overwhelming 73 percent support for representation by the United Auto Workers at the Chattanooga plant. This victory marks the first time that organized labor has succeeded at a foreign-owned auto plant in the American South, where unions have historically struggled to make significant progress.

The United Auto Workers organization expressed jubilation at the historic win, hailing it as a momentous achievement for Volkswagen workers. The UAW post on X, the former Twitter, exclaimed, “Volkswagen workers just made history!” The company itself, Volkswagen, which maintained a neutral stance in public communication, issued a press release acknowledging the democratic nature of the election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board.

This milestone victory at the Chattanooga plant represents a significant success for Shawn Fain, the UAW president since March 2023. Fain’s leadership, coupled with the recent “Stand Up Strike” that resulted in substantial salary hikes for members at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, has propelled the UAW’s ambitious organizing campaign. This initiative aims to unionize 13 companies with nearly 150,000 workers, primarily focusing on southern U.S. states like Tennessee.

The success in Chattanooga has ignited momentum for the UAW’s efforts beyond Tennessee. The upcoming election at a Mercedes-Benz factory in Vance, Alabama, scheduled for May 13-17, signals the union’s growing influence in the region. With active campaigns at Toyota and Hyundai plants in Missouri and Alabama, respectively, the UAW’s reach is expanding, setting the stage for broader labor movements in southern states.

While the UAW has faced numerous challenges in the South, the recent victory in Chattanooga signifies a shift in the region’s labor landscape. Despite past rejections in earlier elections, the positive ripple effects from Detroit strikes and increased worker activism have bolstered the UAW’s prospects. However, powerful politicians in the South, including Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, have voiced strong opposition to the UAW’s efforts, citing concerns about potential economic impact.

The win in Chattanooga represents a turning point for organized labor in the South, challenging the prevailing low-wage model that has long defined the region. Author Stephen Silvia, in his book “The UAW’s Southern Gamble,” underscores the significance of this victory, highlighting its potential implications for workers’ rights and wages in the South. With a renewed focus on empowering workers and fostering stronger labor relations, the UAW’s success in Tennessee sets the stage for broader changes in the region.

The triumph of organized labor at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga heralds a new era for workers’ rights in the American South. As the UAW continues to make strides in unionizing foreign-owned auto plants and challenging established labor norms, the path towards a more equitable and empowered workforce becomes increasingly clear. With momentum building and support growing, the future of organized labor in the South appears brighter than ever before.