VW reconsiders expansion in South after no UAW in Chattanooga

VW's officials vs. Bob Corker.  Who do you believe?  Thanks to Tracy Knauss for his artwork.

Last Friday, Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga voted against having UAW represent them.  This was a shock to many because initially the workers supported it.  By Friday, Sen. Bob Corker, State Sen. Bo Watson and Rep. Gerald McCormick's threats and intimidation caused the workers to worry they might be responsible for shutting the plant down or not having it expand by manufacturing the new SUV.  

Corker was smug and gleeful.  After the vote, he told the Media:  

“Needless to say, I am thrilled for the employees at Volkswagen and for our community and its future.”

Corker may be thrilled, but VW and many others are disappointed by his interference and fear-mongering.  From Reuters: VW workers may block southern US deals, if no unions

"I can imagine fairly well that another VW factory in the United States, provided that one more should still be set up there, does not necessarily have to be assigned to the south again," said Bernd Osterloh, head of VW's works council.

"If co-determination isn't guaranteed in the first place, we as workers will hardly be able to vote in favor" of potentially building another plant in the U.S. south, Osterloh, who is also on VW's supervisory board, said.

Osterloh added:  

"The conservatives stirred up massive, anti-union sentiments," Osterloh said. "It's possible that the conclusion will be drawn that this interference amounted to unfair labor praxis."

Heckuva job, Corkey!  Your interference will cost Chattanooga in terms of jobs, plus all the incentives given to bring VW here.   Sen. Corker it is YOU that is the laughingstock of the world.  

VW's officials vs. Bob Corker.  Who do you believe?  Thanks to Tracy Knauss for his artwork.