Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga voted overwhelmingly to join the United Auto Workers union late Friday, giving the union a crucial foothold in the historically anti-union South.
Nearly three-quarters of workers voted to support the UAW, according to final results released by the National Labor Review Board. Of the 4,326 workers eligible to vote, more than 3,600 cast ballots during the three-day election.
As the votes were counted Friday night, first a torrent — and then a wave — of bold red T-shirts with white letters spread through the union hall Friday evening at IBEW Local 175.
Joseph McMullen entered the hall at around 9pm expecting many of his Volkswagen colleagues to vote in favor of creating a union. But he wasn't prepared for the overwhelming pro-union support that was on display.
“I think that's important,” said McMullen, an Alabama native who works in the quality department. “It sends a message.”
More Stories
Bank of Japan decision, China PMI, Samsung earnings
Dow Jones Futures: Microsoft, MetaEngs Outperform; Robinhood Dives, Cryptocurrency Plays Slip
Strategist explains why investors should buy Mag 7 ‘now’