Sen. Bob CorkerU.S. Sen. Bob Corker said today he still believes Volkswagen will bring production of a new sport utility vehicle to Chattanooga, but the automaker likely won't make an announcement until an appeal over the plant's union election is settled.
"We had a VW representative in our office last week. They made us aware that until the clouds disappear, a decision likely won't be made," he said after speaking to Chattanooga Rotarians.
The Tennessee Republican also said that an April 7 date for a National Labor Relations Board hearing over the United Auto Workers' election appeal could be pushed back to April 21. The NLRB, on its website, said the hearing on the UAW's appeal, is slated for April 7 at 9 a.m. at the Hamilton County Courthouse.
But, Corker said that, ultimately, the case will be considered by the Board in Washington, D.C.
Last month, VW workers voted 712 to 626 against aligning with the UAW. The union later sought a revote, saying in a complaint to the NLRB had outside interference, including statements by Corker, tainted the election. Corker has said the UAW is trying to muzzle he and other public officials.
See more in Friday's Times Free Press.