Volkswagen Chattanooga signThe head of the German union representing automotive workers is speaking out against Volkswagen working with anti-labor groups at its plant in Tennessee, according to The Associated Press.
IG Metall President Detlef Wetzel said in a statement today from Frankfurt, Germany, that called on Volkswagen to "show its true colors" in officially recognizing the United Auto Workers union as its bargaining partner at the Chattanooga factory once the union proves it has signed up a majority of workers there.
"It is our objective to guarantee also under the politically difficult circumstances in the United States that labor union rights are respected and codetermination in the plant is possible," Wetzel said.
Under German law, worker representatives hold half the seats on the board of Wolfsburg, Germany-based Volkswagen, which lends added weight to Wetzel's position.
It also appears to reflect some concern that a new company policy released this week could serve to undermine efforts by its U.S. ally, the United Auto Workers, to organize its first foreign automaker in the South.
The American Council of Employees, another labor organization consisting of VW workers in Chattanooga, also is signing up members. ACE officials have said they, too, want recognition from VW and have criticized the Detroit-based UAW's efforts.