The United Auto Workers (UAW) is set to begin negotiations with Volkswagen (VW) for a new labor contract at its Chattanooga plant, starting September 19. This follows the plant workers' decisive vote to unionize earlier this year, making them the first Southern autoworkers outside the Big Three to join the UAW. UAW President Shawn Fain, alongside other union leaders, rallied workers, emphasizing the importance of securing a strong contract with demands including better wages, healthcare, and job security. Fain criticized the wage disparity between VW workers and those at other assembly plants, urging VW to address the workers' comprehensive list of 800 demands. VW expressed its commitment to working collaboratively with the UAW, despite the anticipated tough negotiations. The rally underscored the union's determination to achieve a contract that significantly improves the working conditions and benefits for the Chattanooga plant employees.