UAW organizing hitting its stride at auto plants in the South

Director of Region 8 in the United Autoworkers, Tim Smith, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the ongoing organizing campaigns at auto plants in the South. Smith outlined the workers’ desire to seek union representation and how the UAW has had a long-standing relationship with auto workers in the South.

It’s been a little more than a year since Smith was elected to his current position, which covers the Southern region of the U.S. Region 8 is the third largest region in the UAW, representing 17 states, 108 Locals and over 40,000 members. Smith talked about his experience growing up in Kentucky, working at-will jobs, and seeking union protections within the UAW. It was a proud day for Smith and his fellow workers to benefit from the UAW representation.

Smith talked about the organizing campaigns in his region and how the workers are seeking the UAW’s help, not the UAW seeking out the plant employees. As the UAW continues the push to organize workers in the South, there are 13 plants where workers have already reached out to the UAW for their protection. Smith aims to give all workers who call their Nashville office the opportunity to receive union benefits. He talked about the UAW's long-standing presence in the southern states and how they have been a part of the community longer than the politicians calling them “Out-of-State Special Interest Group.”

The UAW organizing campaigns are moving quickly and growing in interest from workers. Smith discussed why it’s important for workers to stand up to their employers and fight for their just protections. Employers can’t get away with having a lunch event to make up for their mistakes anymore, and workers shouldn’t just accept that he said. He finished by talking about the changes in organizing at the Volkswagen campaign since their last attempt to organize 10 years ago.

Learn more about the UAW’s organizing campaigns by listening to the show above.