In Chattanooga, Tennessee, Volkswagen workers have voted to authorize a strike. This is the first time workers at a non-Big Three automaker in the United States have taken this step. The vote follows over a year of contract negotiations between UAW Local 42 and Volkswagen that have not resulted in an agreement. The union has accused Volkswagen of unfair labor practices, including not bargaining in good faith, intimidating workers, and making job cuts at its U.S. assembly plant.
Volkswagen reported $20.6 billion in profits in 2024. North America contributed 20 percent of these earnings. Workers say the company’s latest contract proposal does not include job security measures. They are seeking protections against plant closures, outsourcing, or the sale of the Chattanooga facility. According to the union, these protections are important for workers and the local community.
The strike authorization allows the UAW bargaining committee to call a strike if needed. As of October 2025, no strike date has been set. The committee is seeking further negotiations, but Volkswagen management has not agreed to return to talks. Workers have stated they want job security, affordable healthcare, and equal treatment for Southern autoworkers…