Southern governors: Joining UAW would threaten jobs, ‘values’

The governors of six southern states warned workers that joining the United Auto Workers (UAW) would threaten their job security and “the values ​​by which we live.”

The joint statement signed by Republican governors includes Bill Lee (Tennessee), Kay Ivey (Alabama), Brian Kemp (Georgia), Tate Reeves (Michigan), and Henry McMaster (South Carolina). Greg Abbott (Texas) Published on Tuesday — the day before the Volkswagen (VW) plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is scheduled to vote on whether to organize with the UAW.

The governors said in a statement that they are “deeply concerned about the unionization movement sparked by the misinformation and fear tactics the UAW has brought to our states.”

“As governors, we have a responsibility to speak up to our constituents when we see special interests invading our state and threatening our jobs and the values ​​we live by.” the group wrote.

Two attempts by workers at the VW plant to form a union have failed, in 2014 and 2019, and both times they defaulted on vote margins.

Ivey said in a statement. Post on social platform Xis opposing union efforts to mobilize workers in Alabama.

“The UAW came with big promises that they cannot keep, and we will not stand for them,” she wrote, echoing sentiments expressed in the joint memo.

UAW strategist Chris Brooks responded to Ivey’s comments on X, calling out the governors who signed the letter. “very scary”.

When The Hill contacted the UAW about the governor’s letter, the union did not comment.

Democratic governors are more supportive of efforts to expand auto unions across the country. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) praised the UAW last week, saying the union helps improve the quality of life and standard of living for workers.

“Labor unions have helped build our Union and our nation while improving the standard of living and quality of life for workers,” Beshear said. Posted in X. “Always proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with my friends at @UAW.”

However, Republican governors expressed concerns about the UAW’s intentions and mission. They also criticized the organization for supporting President Biden’s reelection bid.

“We have grave concerns about the ability of the UAW leadership to represent our values,” they wrote. “They proudly call themselves Democratic Socialists and seem more focused on supporting President Biden’s re-election than on seeing auto worker jobs cut at the factories they already represent.”

Latest voting results at VW factory Starting on Wednesday It is scheduled to last for 3 days. Results are expected to be announced on Friday.

The UAW made headlines last year when employees criticized the former “Big Three” automakers. After a six-week strike, they finally reached an agreement with Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis in late October.