Tim Smith, Director of Region 8 of the United Auto Workers, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss an organizing win at the Volkswagen plant in Tennessee. He also talked about the lessons learned during the Mercedes-Benz organizing campaign and other contract wins across Region 8.
It took three attempts, but in April, Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tenn., voted to join the UAW by a 2,685-985 margin. Smith discussed the excitement and emotions shared between the new members of UAW. He talked about the differences between this election and the previous attempts in 2014 and 2019, including the support of the German Volkswagen workers union that led to a victory during this election. Smith explained the next steps for the UAW as they prepare for upcoming negotiations.
On the other hand, in Tuscaloosa, Ala., the Mercedes-Benz workers voted against joining the UAW. Smith explained why the UAW filed unfair labor practice claims and a lawsuit against the company over their union-busting activities during the organizing campaign. He said that barring a ruling from the National Labor Relations Board, the union is preparing for a renewed organizing campaign in 2025. He discussed the lessons he and UAW’s organizing team learned and how they will apply them to give Mercedes-Benz workers the union protections they deserve.
While the Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz organizing campaigns took center stage in 2024, Smith discussed some of the organizing and contract victories in the 15 states that make up UAW Region 8. This included some of the first contract negotiations at Rice University, Maryland University and Vanderbilt University following successful organzing drives. Then Smith talked about a strike at Penske Logistics that led to the workers earning a first contract at multiple locations in Texas.
Learn more about what Smith is up to in UAW Region 8 by listening to the show above.
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