Union vote has nothing to do with adding vehicle line: Volkswagen

Summerwind · Feb 13, 2014

(Reuters) - German automaker Volkswagen AG, in a brief but bluntly worded statement on Thursday, said a vote this week on union representation at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant would have no bearing on whether it will build a new crossover vehicle there.

The statement was contrary to U.S. Senator Bob Corker's announcement on Wednesday that he had been "assured" that if workers at the factory reject United Auto Worker representation, the company would reward the plant with a new product to build.

"There is no connection between our Chattanooga employees' decision about whether to be represented by a union and the decision about where to build a new product for the U.S. market," said Frank Fischer, chairman and chief executive officer of Volkswagen Chattanooga.
Corker, a Tennessee Republican, made the assertion, which ran counter to previous public statements by VW, on the first day of a three-day secret ballot election of blue-collar workers on UAW representation.

On Thursday, Corker issued a second statement, saying his information is better than that of Fischer, the top-ranked VW official at Chattanooga.

Union vote has nothing to do with adding vehicle line: Volkswagen | Reuters

So first Corker lies, then he doubles down on the lie....hmm any bets that VW might decide that they don't want to do business where liars are in office? But guess what, we'll hear that it was all because of the UAW and has nothing to do with the lying liar, Corker.

MaggieD · Feb 13, 2014

Summerwind said:
Union vote has nothing to do with adding vehicle line: Volkswagen | Reuters

So first Corker lies, then he doubles down on the lie....hmm any bets that VW might decide that they don't want to do business where liars are in office? But guess what, we'll hear that it was all because of the UAW and has nothing to do with the lying liar, Corker.

Even if VW did what Corker accuses them of . . . what's the problem? I could also see a Democratic governor saying, "VW, if you don't block the union, our state will give you a real state tax break for ten years." *shrug*

specklebang · Feb 13, 2014

Summerwind said:
Union vote has nothing to do with adding vehicle line: Volkswagen | Reuters

So first Corker lies, then he doubles down on the lie....hmm any bets that VW might decide that they don't want to do business where liars are in office? But guess what, we'll hear that it was all because of the UAW and has nothing to do with the lying liar, Corker.

Please tell me where there are no liars in office and I will move there for a refreshing change of pace

(must be in this solar system)

Summerwind · Feb 13, 2014

specklebang said:
Please tell me where there are no liars in office and I will move there for a refreshing change of pace

(must be in this solar system)

Fair enough but to double down after the company you're wooing says that it isn't so???? That's both being a liar and an idiot. .... Oh, nevermind. You'd be correct to ask the same question again even with the add-on.

specklebang · Feb 13, 2014

Summerwind said:
Fair enough but to double down after the company you're wooing says that it isn't so???? That's both being a liar and an idiot. .... Oh, nevermind. You'd be correct to ask the same question again even with the add-on.

Please tell me where there are no idiotic liars in office and I will move there for a refreshing change of pace:roll:

(must be in this galaxy)

CanadaJohn · Feb 13, 2014

Summerwind said:
Union vote has nothing to do with adding vehicle line: Volkswagen | Reuters

So first Corker lies, then he doubles down on the lie....hmm any bets that VW might decide that they don't want to do business where liars are in office? But guess what, we'll hear that it was all because of the UAW and has nothing to do with the lying liar, Corker.

Gotta say I'm more inclined to believe the Senator than I am a PR statement from a company. Clearly, Volkswagen would be stabbing themselves in the back and ruining their sales potential in the US if it was seen to be interfering in American politics and/or union politics which on the left are one and the same.

One sure way to know the truth is if the union certifies and then a few months down the road Volkswagen decides to reevaluate their investment strategy going forward.

Summerwind · Feb 13, 2014

CanadaJohn said:
Gotta say I'm more inclined to believe the Senator than I am a PR statement from a company. Clearly, Volkswagen would be stabbing themselves in the back and ruining their sales potential in the US if it was seen to be interfering in American politics and/or union politics which on the left are one and the same.

One sure way to know the truth is if the union certifies and then a few months down the road Volkswagen decides to reevaluate their investment strategy going forward.

Of course you would. This doesn't surprise me in the least. Bless your heart.

CanadaJohn · Feb 13, 2014

Summerwind said:
Of course you would. This doesn't surprise me in the least. Bless your heart.

Why doesn't it surprise you? My "evilness" clearly supports both Republican politicians and free enterprise corporations. I had to choose between two groups I support. You, on the other hand, could slag mud at will, clearly not supporting either group - and leaving the UAW out of the discussion entirely.

Bless your heart too.

VanceMack · Feb 13, 2014

Summerwind said:
Union vote has nothing to do with adding vehicle line: Volkswagen | Reuters

So first Corker lies, then he doubles down on the lie....hmm any bets that VW might decide that they don't want to do business where liars are in office? But guess what, we'll hear that it was all because of the UAW and has nothing to do with the lying liar, Corker.

Is it possible...now...I stress...I DONT KNOW>..but is it POSSIBLE...that the guy that negotiated the deal from his HOUSE with VW officials in Germany MAY...MAY now...just MAY have had contact with officilas in Germany...with the parent company...that supports his comments? Maybe?

"In order to entice Volkswagen to build its new U.S. plant in Corker's hometown of Chattanooga, the state gave it about $580 million in incentives. Corker was instrumental in lobbying Volkswagen to put the plant, which opened in 2011, in Chattanooga. Early meetings with Volkswagen officials from Germany were held at his home."

Summerwind · Feb 13, 2014

VanceMack said:
Is it possible...now...I stress...I DONT KNOW>..but is it POSSIBLE...that the guy that negotiated the deal from his HOUSE with VW officials in Germany MAY...MAY now...just MAY have had contact with officilas in Germany...with the parent company...that supports his comments? Maybe?

"In order to entice Volkswagen to build its new U.S. plant in Corker's hometown of Chattanooga, the state gave it about $580 million in incentives. Corker was instrumental in lobbying Volkswagen to put the plant, which opened in 2011, in Chattanooga. Early meetings with Volkswagen officials from Germany were held at his home."

Or possibly, blah blah blah, Corker put those things on the table and were entirely ignored by VW, meaning only in Corker's twisted anti-union head did it have any bearing.

joko104 · Feb 13, 2014

It is important to remember:

1. No CEO every lies. They are representatives of God and can't. If that VW CEO said it, then it absolutely is true.

2. Besides, if the CEO was willing to break labor law in how he tried to influence the election by making threats, he certain would do so because not only do CEOs never lie, but also if the break the law the call a press conference to announce they are doing so.

That is the claim of the OPer anyway, who apparently worships corporations.

Summerwind · Feb 13, 2014

joko104 said:
It is important to remember:

1. No CEO every lies. They are representatives of God and can't. If that VW CEO said it, then it absolutely is true.

2. Besides, if the CEO was willing to break labor law in how he tried to influence the election by making threats, he certain would do so because not only do CEOs never lie, but also if the break the law the call a press conference to announce they are doing so.

That is the claim of the OPer anyway, who apparently worships corporations.

Well the link now goes to an updated article. Here's a couple lines in there now.

VW has been publicly neutral on the vote. But when the German automaker last week announced an agreement with the UAW to coordinate their messages to workers, the union received a significant boost it has not had in previous, unsuccessful organizing efforts in the South.

Corker's latest remarks contradicted an earlier statement by Frank Fischer, chief executive of VW Chattanooga, that there was "no connection" between the vote at its three-year-old Tennessee plant and a looming decision on whether VW will build a new crossover vehicle there.

Volkswagen headquarters in Germany declined further comment and referred to Fischer's statement.

Now why would VW want to coordinate with UAW if they wanted no unions? That makes no sense. I get that y'all are disappointed that Corker's lying agenda is exposed, I would expect nothing less.

VanceMack · Feb 13, 2014

Summerwind said:
Or possibly, blah blah blah, Corker put those things on the table and were entirely ignored by VW, meaning only in Corker's twisted anti-union head did it have any bearing.

Or possibly all you know is what your own blind ideology allows you to see.

Summerwind · Feb 13, 2014

VanceMack said:
Or possibly all you know is what your own blind ideology allows you to see.

:lamo :laughat: :2rofll: :2funny:

Oh keep it up, laughing is such a good activity. More irony, please.

VanceMack · Feb 13, 2014

Summerwind said:
:lamo :laughat: :2rofll: :2funny:

Oh keep it up, laughing is such a good activity. More irony, please.

Interesting since I have said throughout this thread that we dont KNOW if he is being honest or not. That lack of knowledge thing hasnt gotten in your way though even a little bit...has it...

Lord Tammerlain · Feb 13, 2014

CanadaJohn said:
Gotta say I'm more inclined to believe the Senator than I am a PR statement from a company. Clearly, Volkswagen would be stabbing themselves in the back and ruining their sales potential in the US if it was seen to be interfering in American politics and/or union politics which on the left are one and the same.

One sure way to know the truth is if the union certifies and then a few months down the road Volkswagen decides to reevaluate their investment strategy going forward.

VanceMack said:
Is it possible...now...I stress...I DONT KNOW>..but is it POSSIBLE...that the guy that negotiated the deal from his HOUSE with VW officials in Germany MAY...MAY now...just MAY have had contact with officilas in Germany...with the parent company...that supports his comments? Maybe?

"In order to entice Volkswagen to build its new U.S. plant in Corker's hometown of Chattanooga, the state gave it about $580 million in incentives. Corker was instrumental in lobbying Volkswagen to put the plant, which opened in 2011, in Chattanooga. Early meetings with Volkswagen officials from Germany were held at his home."

joko104 said:
It is important to remember:

1. No CEO every lies. They are representatives of God and can't. If that VW CEO said it, then it absolutely is true.

2. Besides, if the CEO was willing to break labor law in how he tried to influence the election by making threats, he certain would do so because not only do CEOs never lie, but also if the break the law the call a press conference to announce they are doing so.

That is the claim of the OPer anyway, who apparently worships corporations.

VanceMack said:
Interesting since I have said throughout this thread that we dont KNOW if he is being honest or not. That lack of knowledge thing hasnt gotten in your way though even a little bit...has it...

He is not being honest

Volkswagen workers begin 3-day union vote at Tenn. plant amid heavy campaigning by both sides

The Chattanooga plant is alone among Volkswagen's major factories around the world without formal worker representation. The vote presents the union's best chance among the foreign transplants, because the corporate structure of the German automaker favours the creation of "works councils," where both blue-collar and salaried employees have a say in working conditions at the plant.

The company has said that under U.S. law, it can't create the domestic auto industry's first works council without the establishment of a union at the plant.

The plant in Chattanooga is the only VW plant in the world without some form of worker representation. VW wants the plant to have a formal worker representation which it can not do internally as it is against US law. So VW has talked to and made certain arrangements with the UAW about what they could form if the workers at the plant decide to have the UAW organize the workers council that VW wants the plant to have.

in other words VW brought the UAW down, and has worked with them to a certain level to potentially have the UAW represent the workers.

CEO's if they did not want a union and did not have a union, are not likely to do what VW has done.

A politician who is extremely anti union is likely to misrepresent things in order to prevent a union from being formed

VanceMack · Feb 13, 2014

Lord Tammerlain said:
He is not being honest

Volkswagen workers begin 3-day union vote at Tenn. plant amid heavy campaigning by both sides

The plant in Chattanooga is the only VW plant in the world without some form of worker representation. VW wants the plant to have a formal worker representation which it can not do internally as it is against US law. So VW has talked to and made certain arrangements with the UAW about what they could form if the workers at the plant decide to have the UAW organize the workers council that VW wants the plant to have.

in other words VW brought the UAW down, and has worked with them to a certain level to potentially have the UAW represent the workers.

CEO's if they did not want a union and did not have a union, are not likely to do what VW has done.

A politician who is extremely anti union is likely to misrepresent things in order to prevent a union from being formed

He may or may not be being honest. You assume, just as the other. He is not some unknown...he is the guy that brokered the deal with execs in Germany to bring the plant to Tennessee. It is not out of the realm of possibility that he is still in contact with many of those people that gathered in his home to negotiate that deal. It is also not a certainty. We dont know.

Fishstyx · Feb 14, 2014

VanceMack said:
He may or may not be being honest. You assume, just as the other. He is not some unknown...he is the guy that brokered the deal with execs in Germany to bring the plant to Tennessee. It is not out of the realm of possibility that he is still in contact with many of those people that gathered in his home to negotiate that deal. It is also not a certainty. We dont know.

This about sums it up. Its certainly possible that Corker is lying but its certainly possible that private conservation with VW reps occurred as well. Neither are stretch.

But, VW's public neutrality makes sense. It ends up being a win/win for them. They come out looking good and then decide not to expand in the TN plant and get to say the union vote had nothing to do with it.

anatta · Feb 14, 2014

There are a LOT of non union auto plants in the south (right to work states). The UAW would love to get in, and they would wedge in if the VW plant went union.

From what I know of, US law prohibits a workers/management partnership like in Germany - unionization is needed.

So while unions aren't really that helpful anymore for auto plants, VW can use this worker partnership without unionization.

All eyes on Chattanooga: VW’s workers are deciding the future of unions in the South

For their part, Volkswagen executives are lying low and claiming neutrality. They acknowledge their desire for a works council, arguing that their model of labor-management relations serves them well in every other country in the world, except China. Under U.S. law, the company cannot set up a works council without first having its employees vote for a union.

rathi · Feb 14, 2014

Volkswagen is almost certainly telling the truth, Corker is talking out of his ass. The German workers union IG Metall actually sits on Volkswagen's board and would not allow corporate decisions to be based on punishing organized labor. Volkswagen also has demonstrated a solid track record of working with unions and works councils across the world and have little reason to be worried about the UAW.

Mr.Nick · Feb 14, 2014

Summerwind said:
Union vote has nothing to do with adding vehicle line: Volkswagen | Reuters

So first Corker lies, then he doubles down on the lie....hmm any bets that VW might decide that they don't want to do business where liars are in office? But guess what, we'll hear that it was all because of the UAW and has nothing to do with the lying liar, Corker.

UAW should have no say in any of this.

Since when has UAW invested in a business, and took the risks associated? -- No No, UAW are the rats and cockroaches that follow after the business has been built looking for anything they can get their hands on..

I want UAW abolished..

Summerwind · Feb 14, 2014

Mr.Nick said:
UAW should have no say in any of this.

Since when has UAW invested in a business, and took the risks associated? -- No No, UAW are the rats and cockroaches that follow after the business has been built looking for anything they can get their hands on..

I want UAW abolished..

Of course you do. And the UAW doesn't have a say in where VW will build the SUV. It has been by VW proven to be a hysterical lie from Corker who is very anti-union and is trying to use VW as his scapegoat for frightening his citizens into believing that if they rejoin the union, they'll have no jobs. Since VW is pro-union (of a sort), they seem to want their employees to know that a union isn't a deal breaker and that Corker is a liar.

Mr.Nick · Feb 14, 2014

Summerwind said:
Of course you do. And the UAW doesn't have a say in where VW will build the SUV. It has been by VW proven to be a hysterical lie from Corker who is very anti-union and is trying to use VW as his scapegoat for frightening his citizens into believing that if they rejoin the union, they'll have no jobs. Since VW is pro-union (of a sort), they seem to want their employees to know that a union isn't a deal breaker and that Corker is a liar.

UAW, are a bunch of mobster ****s that use gangster tactics, which they learned considering the close ties they had with the Italian/Sicilian mafia....

As a Sicilian myself it makes me sick how this thuggery has become status quo.

Every state should be a right to work state, and if unions can make their organizations more attractive to potential employees than so be it, but that's not how unions handle their business - you either join their union thug gang or get buried.

It makes me sick to know that my ancestors were involved in promoting this criminal nonsense.

rabbitcaebannog · Feb 14, 2014

Lord Tammerlain said:
He is not being honest

A politician who is extremely anti union is likely to misrepresent things in order to prevent a union from being formed

Bingo! You hit the lotto. I found this of interest.

Snip:

What’s fascinating about the VW vote is that the company is quite open to a German style works council, which would be organized under the auspices of the UAW. Many of the workers are in favor of it, too. But local politicians like Senators Corker and Watson, as well as conservative activists from Grover Norquist to the Koch brothers, are putting up a fight. They see the VW battle as a key victory in the battle to unionize the South. While Southern states have low union penetration, the South is also where the action is, and organizers like the UAW’s Region 8 director Gary Casteel, who’s in charge of Southern unionizing, have been making good progress there.

Read more: VW, Grover Norquist, and the Future of American Unions | TIME.com VW, Grover Norquist, and the Future of American Unions | TIME.com

Perotista · Feb 14, 2014

rabbitcaebannog said:
Bingo! You hit the lotto. I found this of interest.

Snip:

What’s fascinating about the VW vote is that the company is quite open to a German style works council, which would be organized under the auspices of the UAW. Many of the workers are in favor of it, too. But local politicians like Senators Corker and Watson, as well as conservative activists from Grover Norquist to the Koch brothers, are putting up a fight. They see the VW battle as a key victory in the battle to unionize the South. While Southern states have low union penetration, the South is also where the action is, and organizers like the UAW’s Region 8 director Gary Casteel, who’s in charge of Southern unionizing, have been making good progress there.

Read more: VW, Grover Norquist, and the Future of American Unions | TIME.com VW, Grover Norquist, and the Future of American Unions | TIME.com

I have no problem with unionization as long as it isn't a requirement to work there. Let the workers vote and either go with it or not. But those who do not want to join, they shouldn't have to. It should be an individual worker choice.

Union vote has nothing to do with adding vehicle line: Volkswagen

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