Anti-UAW Group Authorized To Represent Workers At Chattanooga VW Plant

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

As part of a new arrangement, Volkswagen is allowing more than one group to represent VW workers at its plant at Chattanooga, Tennessee. And while the UAW has managed to secure that privilege, VW is also allowing another, small group to represent workers.

The American Council of Employees (ACE), an anti-UAW union based in Chattanooga, has been allowed to discuss labor matters with management at Chattanooga. Reuters reports that the group has managed to prove to VW (via a third party auditor) that it represents at least 15 percent of Chattanooga’s work force. By contrast, the UAW has about 45 percent of the work force, and will get increased access to management compared to the ACE. Neither group has a monopoly on collective bargaining rights for the plant.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Johnny ringo Johnny ringo on Feb 18, 2015

    The "American Council of Employees?" I am neither pro or anti union, but I have to wonder if this is a front group representing anti-union interests...this is going to get interesting.

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    • RobertRyan RobertRyan on Feb 19, 2015

      @lie2me You are part of an ineffectual Union, that does little for iit's members, but is more interested in internal squabbles and enriching it's elite. No wonder it is having problems trying to get into worksites

  • Redav Redav on Feb 18, 2015

    The UAW rubs me the wrong way. I generally don't favor unions as the govt has taken over much of their historical raison d'être, but I also try not to be anti-union, either. But even with that restraint, I just can't get past thinking the UAW often does more harm than good. I understand the desire to keep the UAW out of Chattanooga, but I don't understand creating a 'union' with the ulterior motive of fighting the UAW. TN's right to work status ought to protects workers that do not want UAW representation, and I don't know if having an alternative organization adds anything. I could see if VW has meetings with both, a second group could prevent implementing some bad ideas the UAW might push, but if VW is willing to implement bad policies to their detriment, what difference would a second union really have?

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    • Dave M. Dave M. on Feb 18, 2015

      The vote was crystal clear last Spring that the Chattanooga workers rejected the UAW. That they didn't want representation (since VW Workers Council demands representation) wasn't a choice. It'll be interesting to see how this one plays out for ACE. If the UAW has only gotten 45% after a year of "insider" status (in house meetings & campaigning), it probably won't get to 50% + 1. It will also be interesting to see if ACE spreads to other locations. /proudly UAW free since 1981

  • 28-Cars-Later 28-Cars-Later on Feb 18, 2015

    This week on As The Dub Turns...

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    • Pch101 Pch101 on Feb 18, 2015

      @Lie2me Those 2,000 word cut-and-pastes are going to wear out my scrolling wheel.

  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Feb 19, 2015

    It will be interesting to see what happens. Maybe the UAW will go retro and use goons again to instill fear.

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