(CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE) - In a historic victory, Volkswagen (VW) Workers have voted by 96% to ratify their first Union contract, the United Auto Workers (UAW) announced.

The deal locks in 20% wage increases, health care cost reductions, job security guarantees, an enforceable grievance procedure, and much more, Union Officials said.

The ratification vote caps a years-long campaign by Volkswagen Chattanooga Auto Workers to join the UAW and win a better life with a Union contract.

“Volkswagen Workers have moved yet another mountain,” UAW President Shawn Fain said. “From having the courage to stand up and form their Union, to having the backbone to authorize a Strike and hold out for a contract that honors their worth, VW Workers are leading the way for the entire Labor Movement and Non-Union Auto Workers everywhere.”

The more than 3,000 VW Workers in Chattanooga voted overwhelmingly to join the UAW in April 2024.

In October 2025, after more than a year of negotiations, Workers voted to authorize a Strike in order to win a fair contract.

Yogi Peoples, a Bargaining Committee Member from Assembly, said: “This victory shows what happens when Workers stand up and refuse to be ignored. We didn’t just win better wages and raise standards at our Plant - we forced respect onto the table and got it all in writing. Our victory here at Volkswagen should send a message to Auto Workers everywhere: Don’t let management divide you. When Workers fight together - united and unafraid - we can beat the odds and win!”

To Directly Access This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Volkswagen Workers Make History, Ratify First Union Contract at Major Southern Auto Plant - UAW | United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America

Details Of The Agreement Are Available At www.UAW.org/VW.

Photo Courtesy Of The UAW’s Website.