The recent win of the United Automobile Workers (UAW) in Tennessee is fueling hopes for supporters who believe that organized labor can make a comeback in the South. However, skeptics remain unmoved as they believe it has made little difference in the grand scheme of southern labor politics to what they see as a war that is stacked against them.
The victory at Chattanooga’s Volkswagen plant, however, is being hailed as a significant breakthrough by advocates of labor solidarity. It has opened doors to the possibility of expansion and growth of union activities in the traditionally anti-union region. With nearly 80 years of collective unionism struggles, the UAW’s win has undoubtedly shaken Southern labor politics.
Differently from popular opinion, the South has not always been averse to unionism. In fact, Chattanooga once had a thriving labor scene in the early 20th century, where, for example, iron workers went on strike demanding an eight-hour workday. The ripple effect of such movements led to a proliferation of unions in different sectors.
However, the tide of union membership began to ebb after the 1960s. Legislation such as the right-to-work laws crippled union activities, making it harder for unions to collect dues and maintain memberships.
Aided by local and state policies, many southern states managed to attract foreign direct investment from corporations seeking a union-fee workforce. This led to the emergence of big automobile companies like BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz setting up their manufacturing facilities in the South.
Against such odds, the UAW managed to secure a win in the Volkswagen Chattanooga plant. The UAW now represents roughly 1,700 skilled trades workers at the plant, who voted in favor of the union. People view this as a considerable achievement given the climate in which it happened.
However, some are not so optimistic. Skeptics believe that one win does not necessarily predict a trend. They argue that the Volkswagen case is an exception. The German-based automaker did not actively oppose the union, unlike other companies. Some are also quick to point out the number of losses that have preceded this victory.
In addition, skeptics point to tough state laws and public sentiment that still disfavor unions. For instance, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee spoke publicly against the Volkswagen union drive at the plant. Also, instances like Nissan workers in Mississippi voting against UAW in 2017 still serve as a reminder that a broader, more comprehensive shift may still face significant challenges.
Yet, in the face of unyielding skepticism, the UAW remains optimistic about its future growth in the South. Advocates argue that wins like this one can trigger change in labor dynamics of southern states. They believe that while societal attitudes toward unions may not have wholly transformed, incremental steps like the UAW’s victory in Tennessee are significant milestones on the road to success.
The win, above all, delineates two significant narratives. For supporters, it epitomizes the potential for organized labor to make significant strides in the South. While for skeptics, it remains but an anomaly in the predominantly anti-labor landscape of Southern labor politics.
To summarize, while the UAW’s win in Chattanooga is undoubtedly a significant breakthrough, views are divided on its potential impact on labor unionism in the South. The promising light of union hope sparked by this victory burns against the backdrop of an ongoing struggle. The future of unions in the South remains an unfolding story, a battle of labor versus industrial capitalism. Only time will tell which side history will favor.