WionDrive News Desk 
A major breakthrough has happened in Tennessee, where the employees at Volkswagen’s local facility have made the choice to unite with the United Auto Workers. This union is now celebrating its victory and their influence is not only confined to Detroit but has also extended to other regions like the South and West of America. It was later disclosed that 73% voted in favour to, from an independent firm that had been hired to conduct a vote on this matter, which ultimately totaled 2,628 workers in favour compared to just 985 voting “no”.
This also serves as a significant boost to the campaign for UAW President Shawn Fain to form unions in over 12 car manufacturers, including Tesla. Fain and his team, known for their bargaining skills, have announced that they will allocate 40 million USD until 2026 to this cause. The cheering workers, some even crying, raised their hands as they tasted victory while Union Yes placards were shown in the last count. “We did it! I am so happy now,” VW employee Lisa Elliott exclaimed, embracing her co-workers. “Just let Mercedes know they will be next!” she shouted joyfully.
A fresh, recently established Mercedes plant in Alabama is scheduled to be the next one to hold a UAW election, since most of its employees have already endorsed this initiative by signing unionisation cards, and it will take place on May 13, during the week. Fain acknowledged that workers at the count watch party had just made the most crucial step any member of the working class could make, and that was to stand up and fight back. “You guys will lead the way. We will carry this fight on to Mercedes and everywhere else,” he added.
Although the UAW narrowly lost votes at the same plant in 2014 and 2019, this year’s vote was preceded by surging public support for unions and successful contract negotiations last year with the Big Three automakers. “The margin is overwhelming,” said Harley Shaiken, professor of labour at the University of California, Berkeley. “This is a historic moment.”
VW took a neutral position on the vote at its only non-union factory globally. The UAW has previously represented VW workers at a Pennsylvania plant that built Rabbit cars before it closed in 1988.
