We are absolutely outraged that Volkswagen would send its loyal employees down the river without a paddle by ignoring their explicit decision to avoid unionization. Workers voted fairly and legally to reject the United Auto Workers in February, and now their company is turning its back on them by allowing the union into its plant anyway.
While it is somewhat comforting that VW will not formally recognize the union until it receives a commitment from a majority of workers, UAW will no doubt use this “camel’s nose under the tent” to pressure members to join its ranks. All this comes despite workers having clearly rejected the union at the ballot box in a legally binding election.
This collusion between VW and the union is a threat to employee freedom and sets a dangerous precedent that legally binding votes are irrelevant, and that unions can run end roads around the expressed consent of employees to get inside their workplaces and create conditions that pressure them to acquiesce.
Further, while our state should end corporate welfare subsidies altogether, VW’s hostility towards the interests of its own workforce would make another $300 million payout to the company a complete travesty. In light of the VW’s unwillingness to respect its employee’s freedoms, Tennessee leaders should unequivocally reject the company’s demands for more of our taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. The Beacon Center firmly rejects giving a penny of taxpayer money to VW and will do everything in its power to stop handouts to the company after blatantly ignoring these employees’ decision not to unionize.
Mark Cunningham
Director of Marketing and Communications
Beacon Center of Tennessee
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It's obvious Chattanooga has another gang trying to gain turf control. The neighborhood made it clear the gang wasn't wanted or needed and they should leave. The gang responded in typical fashion, upset.
Despite being told to go away, that gang is setting up a clubhouse. It will be a constant source of recruitment for "their" cause. The gang isn't here for your aid, instead it's here because it sees a gold mine. Like the mob, their M.O. is, pay us and we will keep you safe.
Jesus said, "A house divided will not stand." Right now, VW workers, you have strong house/job which is huge in these days. Don't let the gang divide you.
Wouldn't surprise me to start seeing the gang start spray painting their gang sign on our overpasses (UAW).
It seems Chattanooga's gang problem has just increased. Don't let them in your house.
Michael Burns
Ex-Union Member