UAW Aiming For Works Council In Tennessee
The UAW’s new “voluntary” union local at VW’s Tennesse assembly plant will be aiming for the first Works Council at a North American plant.
Just-Auto reports that Gary Casteel, the UAW’s secretary-treasurer, told the outlet
“The commitment of this Local is to form the first works council – we intend to negotiate the first German-style works council.”
The announcement comes on the heels of VW global works council head Bernd Osterloh being appointed to the board of directors for Volkswagen Group of America. Osterloh, who has previously made waves over any moves that would harm union organization, will be a powerful ally for the UAW, and their union allies in Germany.
Osterloh’s appointment to the board could very well have been a concession to the powerful IG Metall union, which has ties to both Osterloh and the UAW. Having exhausted all other options, including a plant vote on organization and an appeal to the National Labor Relations Board, Osterloh’s board seat and the “voluntary” union are the last options the UAW likely has in their arsenal.
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Before people start complaining. Since this is a Right to Work state it also gives people the option to join a union. The work place wont be closed shop but, i doubt one can see closed shop as positive. This is all about freedom right? Even if you don't like what a person chooses with their freedom.
My brother's new VW turbo diesel wagon recently blew its turbo at 8000 miles. The first car I bought was a Scirocco. I'll pass on future VW's. I don't want an intimate relationship w/ my mechanic. If you have to have a German, lease, lease, lease.
> “UAW Aiming For Works Council In Tennessee...” Which will be eventually followed by: "VW shifting all North American production to Mexico"
I wonder how/if VW figures this will help it recover lost market share in the US.