The governors of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas said, “The reality is that businesses have choices about where they invest and bring jobs and opportunities.” “Unionization would definitely put the state's jobs at risk.”
The high-profile intervention follows signs of optimism among trade union supporters at the Volkswagen plant, with workers hopeful that the vote will pass in recent days. It has been stated. The trial began on Wednesday and lasted three days, with results expected late Friday.
“They're very scared,” said UAW strategist Chris Brooks. I have written Alabama Governor Kay Ivey's comments about the statement were reposted on social media. The union had no other comment.
An economist who has closely studied union organizing in the South called the statement “unprecedented and shocking” and said it would prevent workers from exercising their legal right to organize. .
American University professor Stephen Sylvia said, “This is a sign that governors believe the UAW will win the next union recognition election and that the UAW's success will lead to an economy built on relatively low wages and minimal worker voice.'' “This suggests that they are concerned about potentially overturning the model,” he said in an email. .
Tennessee Republicans helped thwart UAW attempts to unionize VW plants in 2014 and 2019, and have stepped up their opposition in press conferences and public statements in recent weeks. During a visit to Chattanooga this month, Gov. Bill Lee said joining the union would be a “big mistake.”
Some messages emphasized the UAW's support for President Biden and its long-standing ties to the Democratic Party.
“We have serious concerns about the ability of the UAW leadership to represent our values. “They appear to be more focused on supporting President Biden's reelection bid than on job cuts,” the governors wrote.
Some VW employees told the Washington Post this month that they wish politicians would stay out of the issue and leave it up to the workers.
Democratic politicians have expressed support for the UAW. Tennessee's Democratic state senators criticized the Republican governor on social media Tuesday. “Southern autoworkers are ready to make history this week. #StandUpChattanooga!” Sen. London Lamar posted.
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear faces UAW organizing efforts at Toyota plant in Georgetown. Social media Last week, he said the union had raised living standards for workers and was “proud to stand shoulder to shoulder” with the UAW.
