(CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE) - In a historic victory, an overwhelming majority of Volkswagen Workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have voted to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) - becoming the first Southern Auto Workers outside of the Big Three to win their Union. 

The final vote tally was 73% to 27%, with 2,628 Workers voting yes and 985 voting no.

Meanwhile, 5,000 Workers employed at Mercedes-Benz in Vance, Alabama will have their Union vote to join the UAW in mid-May.

In the wake of the historic Stand Up Strike victory at The Big Three Auto Companies, more than 10,000 Non-Union Auto Workers have signed Union Cards in recent months, with public campaigns launched at Mercedes, Volkswagen, Hyundai in Montgomery, Alabama and Toyota in Troy, Missouri.

Workers at more than two dozen other facilities are also actively organizing.

VW Workers who voted for Unionization were ecstatic with the final outcome.

“This election is big,” said Kelcey Smith, a Worker employed in the Paint Department at Volkswagen. “People in high places told us good things can’t happen here in Chattanooga.  They told us this isn’t the time to stand up, this isn’t the place.  But we did stand up and we won.  This is the time; this is the place. Southern Workers are ready to stand up and win a better life.”  

“We saw the big contract that UAW Workers won at the Big Three and that got everybody talking,” said Zachary Costello, a Trainer in Volkswagen’s proficiency room. “You see the pay, the benefits, the rights UAW Members have on the job and you see how that would change your life. That’s why we voted overwhelmingly for the Union.  Once people see the difference a Union makes, there’s no way to stop them.”    

“This is a movement for every Blue-Collar Worker in America,” said Doug Snyder, a Body Worker at Volkswagen. “Our vote shows Workers everywhere want a better life on and off the job.  Fair pay is important, but so is time with our families.  So is a voice for safety in our plant. We’re looking forward to getting to the bargaining table with the company and winning a contract that makes things right at Volkswagen.” 

To Directly Access This Labor News Story, Go To: In Historic Breakthrough, Volkswagen Workers Become First Southern Autoworkers to Win Their Union - UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America