Volkswagen Chattanooga Workers Authorize Strike Amid Stalled UAW Negotiations

United Auto Workers members at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant voted to authorize a strike after more than a year of stalled contract talks; the tally met the two-thirds threshold required to empower the bargaining committee but does not set a strike date. The authorization covers roughly 3,200 UAW-represented workers and gives the union the right to call a strike if negotiations fail, though both sides say they prefer to avoid a work stoppage. Talks have focused on pay, healthcare, job security and cost-of-living adjustments, and the UAW says Volkswagen’s most recent proposal lacks the necessary job-security language and other protections. Volkswagen describes its offer as its “last, best and final” package — including about a 20% wage increase over four years, the plant’s first-ever COLA, reduced health costs, profit sharing and a $4,000 ratification bonus (with a $1,500 early-ratify incentive) — and expressed confidence employees would accept it. The union said it will use the strike authorization if needed to secure a fair contract, and Volkswagen warned that a strike could harm workers, particularly those who are non-union or choose not to strike.