Unanimous NLRB Order Requires Volkswagen to Bargain with UAW Local Union
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Gary Casteel, secretary-treasurer of the UAW and director of the International Union’s Transnational Department, today released the following statement in response to a new order by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requiring Volkswagen to collectively bargain with its skilled trades employees:
“We’re pleased that the NLRB has ordered Volkswagen to bargain with UAW Local 42 as the representative of the skilled-trades employees in Chattanooga. This unanimous decision makes it clear that the company has been operating in violation of federal law by refusing to come to the bargaining table. Volkswagen’s illegal behavior is contrary to the company’s principles of social responsibility. Looking ahead: As Volkswagen slowly emerges from the global emissions scandal, the company also has an opportunity to improve employee relations in the U.S. We urge Volkswagen to accept the NLRB order and bargain with the local union at the earliest possible date.”
Editor’s note: The NLRB describes collective bargaining as an effort to “bargain in good faith about wages, hours, vacation time, insurance, safety practices and other subjects.” The NLRB’s Volkswagen decision can be downloaded here: http://apps.nlrb.gov/link/document.aspx/09031d45821d2f69 |
