Experts discuss the benefits and consequences of Volkswagen being unionized

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – After the UAW attempted to become unionized twice before, the third time was a charm as they had 73% vote yes.

This is an opportunity that workers of Volkswagen have been waiting for to negotiate pay and much more.

“In terms of my opinion if it will be good Volkswagen is now going to be unionized? We shall see, but if you look in California just recently, we’ve seen the minimum wage dollars go up to $20 an hour, along with layoffs in California, will we see that in Chattanooga? Only time will tell,” said workforce commentator, Thomas Fellows.

But some experts are warning that this decision could have some benefits but also some consequences for current and future employees of Volkswagen.

“Do you know with what the mortgage rates have gone and interest rates? It’s made it very tough to for someone to own a home which can be a pathway to get from the unit of lower to two middle class or middle to upper middle class and that’s why we may be seeing people workers be more in favor of joining a union,” said Fellows.

While there are opportunities to benefit their work environment, Fellows added there could be repercussions that could lead to many people losing their jobs. Mainly due to the fact that Volkswagen would be unable to meet some of their employees’ requirements.

“Obviously, if companies can afford to keep their people that could happen in and these jobs in Chattanooga could be outsourced to different parts of the world,” said Fellows.

Workers at other automotive plants such as Mercedes Benz in Tuscaloosa, Alabama have noticed what happened at Volkswagen and there have been some whispers about what the next step will be for them.

In the meantime, as Thomas Fellows said, only time will tell.