Workers began voting Wednesday on a final contract between Volkswagen and the United Auto Workers union that contains several key differences from a version the company originally unveiled in September. Still, much of it remains unchanged.
In early February, the UAW announced it had secured a tentative agreement with the German automaker at its plant in Chattanooga. This followed a monthslong stalemate that started when the company walked away from the negotiating table.
(READ MORE: VW makes final offer, which includes $39 top base wage for Chattanooga employees)
In September, the company released what it described as its last, best and final offer. That proposal, VW said, would bring the top base wages for Chattanooga employees to $39 per hour, raise pay 20% through 2029, add a cost-of-living allowance, reduce health care costs and introduce profit sharing.
The union, meanwhile, said the offer lacked important concessions, and workers at the plant ultimately authorized a strike in Chattanooga if that became necessary. After further negotiations, the two sides have settled on an agreement that’s now in the hands of local employees. Voting began at 1 p.m. Wednesday and will last through 4 p.m. Thursday.