In another Detroit mystery twist, Reuters is now reporting that the UAW has targeted Volkswagen and Daimler AG for its multi-million dollar “do-or-die” organizing effort. There was ongoing speculation through 2011 as the union dragged its feet on naming its target, presumably because they couldn’t find a campaign out there they could win. There were persistent rumors that the union would target Nissan, then it began picketing of Hyundai dealerships, and last month UAW president Bob King’s made a cagey non-pronouncement that the union doesn’t use the word “target” anymore.
German companies can be easily bullied at home by German unions into remaining silent and “neutral” during an organizing drive making them a much softer target for American unions than their Asian competitors. And the UAW presumes (like the NLRB) that if workers hear only one side of the union argument they will eagerly jump at union representation. (Even UAW officials concede that if a foreign automaker puts up a fight the union will lose.)
German auto execs have declined to publicly comment on a UAW drive, although it’s reported they secretly consider the UAW with its 1800 page contracts “a disaster.” And VW execs have not forgotten the labor strife that plagued their unionized Rabbit plant in Westmorland, PA before it was closed in 1988. Thus German unions are critical to securing the kind of employer “cooperation” needed for a UAW win. King has been traveling extensively in recent months to meet with German union leaders.
Even with employer neutrality the union may have a tough climb. VW workers in Chattanooga make only $15 less per month than unionized Spring Hill GM workers down the road, when adjusted for union dues.
