Celebrating a Big Year For Working Families This Labor Day

April 19th, 2024.

For many Tennesseans, this was just an ordinary Friday.

Working families throughout our state, however, likely remember this date for a different reason.

In fact, the historic accomplishment associated with it is a big reason why there’s even more for our movement to celebrate this Labor Day.

After two disappointing defeats over the past decade, workers at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga overwhelmingly voted to join the United Auto Workers (UAW).

The results weren’t exactly a nail-biter: nearly 75% of the workers who cast ballots decided that they wanted to become union members.

On behalf of our affiliates and members, I’d like to once again congratulate the UAW on this statement-making victory.

What was perhaps the most powerful part of this entire successful organizing campaign was the fact that it was conducted in the midst of a never-ending stream of scare tactics.

From attempting to cast doubt in the workers’ minds about the long-term effects of their decision, to issuing public statements predicting an economic fallout if the UAW was welcomed at Volkswagen, several elected leaders throughout the South couldn’t help but insert themselves into a decision that was absolutely none of their business.

I say it often, but I’ll say it again: the choice on whether to join a union solely belongs to workers without interference from any outside groups or individuals.

If you happened to follow the lead-up to the two previous elections at Volkswagen in 2014 and 2019, you’ll probably remember that history seemed to be repeating itself once again.

Fortunately, the results were different this time.

Either way, old habits clearly die hard in Tennessee.

In spite of the pro-business, anti-worker environment that’s often touted in the Volunteer State, the Volkswagen vote broke the mold.

So what happened? What truly made the third time the charm?

For me and all of the members of my Tennessee labor family, the answer is simple: more and more workers are recognizing that it’s better in a union.

More workers want a voice on the job that comes from standing together in solidarity.

More workers across the political spectrum are seeing the many benefits of union membership.

More workers are tired of letting corporate special interest groups and big business call the shots and make decisions that affect their well-being.

Leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table are what the labor movement is all about.

That’s why what happened in Chattanooga back in April is so inspiring and effectively set the tone for what’s to come for organizing throughout the region.

For decades, the South has been written off as a labor wasteland…a place where employers flock to if they’re looking to skirt unions instead of working productively with them.

Now, things are finally beginning to change.

We are particularly mindful and aware of these shifting tides as we celebrate Labor Day.

I’ll be honest with you: during all of my years as a proud union member, I’ve never witnessed the level of solidarity and enthusiasm amongst working families that we’re seeing right now.

It’s a moment that’s worth harnessing as we look to build and strengthen our movement for generations to come.

To all Tennesseans and especially those who we are fortunate enough to count amongst our membership, Happy Labor Day.

Thank you for your dedication to working families, your members, and your tireless efforts to make Tennessee a place where all workers can thrive.

Together in solidarity, let’s show our state, the region, and the country that life really is better in a union.