Volkswagen’s US Workers Vote Against Joining Union

{{In a surprise move, US workers have voted against union representation at a Volkswagen car plant in the southern state of Tennessee.}}

The vote derails efforts by the United Auto Workers (UAW) to organise foreign-owned factories in the southern US.

Experts had expected the ballot to pass in favour of unionising, after Volkswagen tacitly supported the move.

The vote had faced resistance from Republican politicians, who argued it would slow economic growth.

It was the UAW’s first attempt in 13 years to unionise a plant not run by one of the three big US carmakers – General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler.

Analysts say the result could significantly curtail future organisation efforts and further dent the union’s reputation.

Membership is reported to have plummeted 75% since the late 1970s, leaving it with barely 400,000 supporters.

‘Outside influence’
Some 1,550 workers began voting at the plant in Chattanooga on Wednesday and rejected the union plan by 712 to 626 with an 89% turnout.

UAW spokesman Gary Casteel said “some outside influence” had been exerted on the poll.

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