Tim Smith, Director of Region 8 for the United Auto Workers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss ongoing organizing efforts at Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tenn., recent investments by General Motors and the UAW's push to utilize existing manufacturing capacity in the U.S. auto industry.
Smith provided an update on the challenging negotiations for a first contract at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant, where workers voted to unionize in 2022. Despite hopes of reaching an agreement by December, talks have been prolonged due to the company's resistance. Smith emphasized the importance of securing fair wages and benefits. He said the UAW will settle for what Volkswagen is offering. Smith urged Volkswagen workers to remain united and assured them of the UAW's continued support throughout the bargaining process.
The conversation then shifted to General Motors' recent $4 billion reinvestment across three U.S. plants, including a significant investment in their Spring Hill, Tenn., facility. Smith highlighted the importance of this investment for Local 1853 and the community, praising the workforce's quality production. He noted the addition of the Chevrolet Blazer to Spring Hill's production line, joining existing models like the Cadillac XT5, XT6 and electric vehicles such as the Lyriq and Celestiq. Smith expressed confidence in the plant's future, citing GM's trust in the skilled workforce as a key factor in the investment decision.
Smith also discussed a recent UAW report titled "Unlocking the Potential of U.S. Auto Manufacturing Capacity," which reveals significant unused capacity in existing U.S. auto plants. He emphasized the need to bring work back from Mexico and overseas to fill this capacity, rather than building new plants in So-Called “Right to Work” states. Smith mentioned underutilized facilities, such as GM's Fairfax plant, which operates at 45 percent capacity, and Ford's Flat Rock plant, which operates at 21 percent capacity. He stressed the importance of leveraging the existing skilled workforce and infrastructure to create jobs and strengthen the U.S. auto industry.
To hear more about the UAW's organizing efforts and strategies for revitalizing the U.S. auto industry, listen to the full episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featuring Tim Smith.
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