UAW Secures Landmark Deal with Volkswagen Amidst Southern Organizing Challenges
The United Auto Workers (UAW) has reached a landmark agreement with Volkswagen AG at its Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, securing a 20% wage increase and job protections for approximately 3,000 workers. This first contract, pending ratification, marks a significant victory for the UAW's efforts to expand its presence in the South, a region traditionally resistant to unionization. The deal follows a lengthy negotiation process, taking 650 days to finalize, and reflects the challenging environment for union organizing in the South. Despite this win, the UAW faces ongoing cultural and political hurdles in its southern organizing drive. 
