United Auto Workers, UAW, logoThe head of the United Auto Workers’ local at the General Motors plant in Spring Hill, Tenn., says the factory is growing, and he discounted criticism about the union’s impact on the economy there.
Mike Herron, chairman of UAW Local 1853, said in a statement that the union has had “a very positive impact” on economic development in the Tennessee.
The assembly plant, which was idled during the economic crisis, is only operating today because the UAW negotiated to re-open the plant in 2011 collective bargaining, Herron said.
“Our collective bargaining agreement resulted in a $350 million investment from GM and more than 1,800 jobs at plant and thousands more at businesses that support Spring Hill,” said Herron, who served for three years as co-chair of Spring Hill’s economic development organization at the request of the former mayor.
He said GM will add at least another 1,800 jobs with the addition of two new products at the plant.