Labor board allows VW workers to contest UAW appeal in Chattanooga vote

The National Labor Relations Board has reportedly decided to allow a handful of workers from Volkswagen’s Chattanooga facility to contest the United Auto Workers’ appeal over the recent unionization vote.

Anti-union groups had asked the board to allow workers to defend the vote results, arguing that Volkswagen was unlikely to respond to the appeal. Companies typically provide the other side of the debate in such situations, however VW has welcomed the unionization efforts.

“We are very pleased that, despite attempts by Volkswagen and UAW officials to keep workers out of this process, the acting Regional Director has ruled that the workers are entitled to defend their vote to keep the UAW out of their workplace,” the National Right To Work Legal Defense Foundation said in a statement.

Attorneys from the anti-union group helped five VW workers file allegations of improprieties in the UAW’s campaign at the plant, accusing the union of coercion and misrepresentation. Workers also claimed the company made comments linking unionization to increased production at the facility.

“The decision over whether or not to unionize is supposed to lie with the workers, which makes the attempt by VW and the UAW to shut them out of this process all the more shameful,” the foundation added.

The UAW’s appeal is considered a long shot, as existing labor laws are designed to prevent companies from exerting improper influence in resistance to unionization attempts. In this case the UAW is citing comments by legislators as evidence of manipulation, however it may be difficult to prove that the politicians were talking on behalf of the company and therefore in violation of regulations.