Volkswagen employees now have the chance to decide whether they want to be represented by the UAW or not. Thankfully, this decision will be made via a secret ballot election, but one has to wonder whether it is a free and fair election. I understand that UAW representatives are allowed to meet with employees inside the plant while they are on the clock. Are UAW opponents given the same opportunity? As we see from recent complaints filed with the NLRB by VW employees, the answer to that question is no.
The NLRB, UAW, and German labor union IG Metall are clearly collaborating to deliberately give the advantage to the union. These unfair strong arm tactics are directly in conflict with what the UAW claims is it’s new, kinder, gentler cooperative model of union representation.
If they are using strong arm tactics today to unfairly sway a secret ballot election in their favor, why would anyone think they’d cooperate with management or anyone else later on?
I hope Volkswagen employees will see the UAW for what it is – a wolf in sheep’s clothing – and vote against UAW representation.
Ken Smith
City Council, District 3
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One thing that always puzzled me was VW's not so tacit support for a Works Council that required a labor union (the UAW) partner. VW is well known for trumpeting "The Power of German Engineering" as positive attribute of its vehicles. Why can't they use that superior engineering skill to craft a system that doesn't require the insertion of a third party to sort out labor issues?
My prediction is that if the UAW is voted in, the long term result will be Klusterfergnügen.
Jim Nelson
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The letter written by Mr. Smith seems to provide an ethical "appearance of impropriety." Shouldn't we let the employees of VW decide for themselves, without being "strong armed" by local city representatives?
As well, why is Claude Ramsey's opinion any more important than mine or yours? Perhaps, I will call a press conference and see if my opinion gets the same attention?
Per Mayor Berke's new executive order regarding ethical conduct of city employees, I would ask that he review this matter and take any appropriate action deemed necessary; up to and including termination, recall, or removal of Mr. Smith from his current position.
Rusty Munger