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Volkswagen (VW Motors is a German headquar tered automobile manufacturer. A comm

ID: 375632 • Letter: V

Question

Volkswagen (VW Motors is a German headquar tered automobile manufacturer. A common practice in highly co tested battle, workers voted 11m2. not to on the UAW. With the undeni n companies is to utilize a "works council," a able support from the company, the UAW could olations supervisory body made up of workers and managers hardly look for unfair labor practice vi who consult on business operations. U.S. labor laws The vote was clear. Workers prefer dealing dire strictly forbid such worker involvement without the with plant management and working without official recognition of a labor union. So, the UAW saw labor union representation. In the weeks and an opportunity to organize workers at the VW Chatta- months following the election, the UAW initiall nooga, Tennessee, plant with the blessing of company requested that the NLRB schedule a do-over election. management. Since the plant is overseen by German Their contention was that local and state politicians leadership, the union felt it would be supported in its had swayed workers with a promise of economic efforts. However, workers at the plant would have the benefits if the workforce remained union free. They final say regarding union representation. eventually dropped their request and accepted the no vote from the workers VW management did, in fact, seem to be on the UAW's side and had agreed to allow the union to be Since the election, the UAW has established an recognized based on a card check procedure rather American-style works council," a nonbargaining-unit than a representation election. The company allowed local of the union. The group will meet with company paign inside the plant, a representatives to discuss workplace issues but wil not be empowered to negotiate a contract. The U highly unusual move. The labor union in Germany, a "cousin" of the UAW, had pushed for the w elcom- remains hopeful that this works council will serve as osture to the U.S. union. Company and German a jumping off point for a full-fledged union in the union officials were highly committed to establishing future.74 a works council and felt that allowing the UAW to or ganize workers would allow that process to happen. aUESTIONS The company had pledged to remain neutral, but many of its actions appeared to strongly assist the 1. Under what circumstances might a company union in its efforts. Not all employees at the plant side with a union in its attempt to organiz favored representation by the union, but they were ployees? How would you, as an employee, denied the right to hold meetings or campaign inside your employer supported you joining the plant. Such collusion between a company and 2. What role should politicians and lawmakers piai union is potentially a violation of the Taft-Harley in union votes such as the o Act. Workers insisted on the right to a secret ballot Do lawmakers have a vested interest i election, and the company eventually agreed. l if a union: lay cess of businesses within their legislative territory

Explanation / Answer

Usually employees join in unions because of their dissatisfaction with how management treats employees and a belief that the union can make conditions in the workplace better. While pay and benefits are often hot topics in union organizing tactics, employees are most influenced to join a union when the company is perceived to be unfair, Unresponsive or offering substandard working conditions to employees. A workplace that fosters good relationships between management and employees and addresses employee concerns is much less likely to force employees to union representation for assistance.

If employer suports joining a union, I will have a thorough knowledge of the labor law rules and I will get expert help.