VW workers in Tennessee vote to join UAW in historic win for Detroit union

Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have overwhelmingly voted to join the United Auto Workers — marking a major milestone for the union and its first successful organizing drive of an automaker outside of Detroit's Big Three.

Union organizing passed with 73% of the vote, or 2,628 workers, in support for the UAW, according to the National Labor Relations Board, which oversaw the election. A total of roughly 3,620, or about 84%, of the 4,326 eligible VW workers voted in the election, the NLRB said. Seven ballots were challenged and three others were voided.

"In a historic victory, an overwhelming majority of Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, have voted to join the UAW," the union said in a release Friday night before official results were released by the NLRB. "While votes continue to be tallied, the outcome is clear: Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga are the first Southern autoworkers outside of the Big Three to win their union."

The NLRB still must certify the result, but barring any unexpected issues or challenges, the company is required to bargain in good faith with the union. The talks can be direct or go first through a mediator.

The sides have five business days to file objections to the election, according to the NLRB. If no objections are filed, the result will be certified.

VW confirmed the UAW's win in a release Friday night but offered little additional comment.

"We will await certification of the results by the NLRB," the company said. "Volkswagen thanks its Chattanooga workers for voting in this election."

UAW leaders and supporters are expected to use the win as a launching point for the union's unprecedented organizing campaign of 13 automakers in the U.S. following major contract wins last