NAACPNAACP representatives from the state, regional and local level today voiced support for workers rights and demanded that Volkswagen autoworkers vote concerning a union without the alleged influence from politicians.
"We believe unions are the great equalizer in the fight against economic inequality and we refuse to stand by idly while Chattanooga workers are denied the ability to decide for themselves whether or not to organize without coercion or undue pressure from national or state political figures," NAACP Southeast Regional Director Kevin C. Myles said.
Myles said unions are being attacked around the country but Chattanooga is the place where people from outside the city and the state have been brought in to prevent workers from organizing a union.
The NAACP cited news reports stating that Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and U.S. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., have threatened to withhold jobs and benefits from Chattanooga if the union passes.