Anti-union group files lawsuit to prevent "further collusion" between UAW, VW

Attorneys from an anti-union group have filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen and the United Auto Workers, seeking to “block further collusion” between the company and the union if the National Labor Relations Board allows for a second unionization election.

With three Chattanooga plant workers named as plaintiffs, the lawsuit cites language within the Labor Management Relations Act that bars employers from providing union officials with “any money or thing of value.”

The law is designed to prevent companies from unfairly influencing union officials to the detriment of workers’ rights, however the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation claims VW violated the regulations by establishing an agreement with the UAW.

“The suit contends that the neutrality arrangement between VW and UAW union organizers contain numerous such prohibited provisions, including mandatory pro-union meetings, use of company property by outside UAW organizers, and clauses preventing VW and its managers from opposing unionization, all of which were implemented in the lead up to the vote that UAW lost 712-626,” the group said in a statement.

UAW president Bob King has called the lawsuit “baseless,” arguing that the union had already demonstrated majority support before it negotiated its election agreement with the company.

“Moreover, even if the UAW had not demonstrated this status, the UAW’s Election Agreement with Volkswagen Group of America would still be lawful, just like many other neutrality agreements the UAW and other unions have negotiated with employers throughout the United States,” King added.

The UAW claims the anti-union group has a history of “frivolous lawsuits” attempting to block unionization efforts, including failed lawsuits aimed at Dana and Freightliner.