VW workers file suit to block 'further collusion' between UAW, automaker

[Redfairen]

Source: Detroit News

Workers at Volkswagen AG's plant in Chattanooga have filed a federal lawsuit in an attempt to block "further collusion" between the United Auto Workers and the German automaker.

The workers, who are represented by the National Right to Work Foundation, called it a preemptive move aimed at preventing cooperation between the company and the union in the event that the National Labor Relations Board sets aside last month's election at the plant and allows another vote.

.......

"UAW union officials and Volkswagen management have colluded to deprive these workers of a fair vote from the start," said Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Foundation said in a statement after the suit was filed Thursday morning. "Enough is enough, which is why these workers are seeking to prevent further VW assistance to the UAW's organizing efforts."

UAW President Bob King called said the lawsuit was another example of what he has characterized as "outside interference" in the union's effort to organize the plant.






Read more: http://m.detnews.com/topstories/article?a=2014303130083&f=1207

[EC]

1. I wonder how much those workers

were paid to do this? I don't think they can do this. It's more interference. They really are going to make VW think twice about expanding down there, much less keeping that plant going. Why would they (VW) even want to continue down there if they can't do business in the way that is best for them?

[pangaia]

2. Those 'workers' aren't smart enough to know how to do this.

[Blue_Tires]

20. +1

[Fumesucker]

40. That's remarkably condescending

Evidently you feel some contempt for these workers.

[pangaia]

42. I didn't say I have contempt for them.

[Fumesucker]

43. You didn't need to say it

It was apparent from your phraseology.

[pangaia]

44. Oh. My phraseology?

Humm.

[pasto76]

47. No actually he is spot on.

Im second generation union ironworker. Im an organizer in my local. Im a democrat.

Trying to get these guys to understand just the BASICS is like pulling teeth. Getting them to actually vote in their interests, near impossible.

most of the guys in my local have completely bought into the conservative bullshit. two years ago I said 'romney has stated that his first day in office he would try and eliminate Project labor agreements on federal jobs'....as we were working on a PLA job.

90% of the ones who voted, voted for romney.

People are stupid. If these clowns at the VW plant are really doing this, reap what you sow.

[Fumesucker]

48. I see it more as being propagandized from the cradle on

Get them off politically loaded subjects that have been subject to massive indoctrination and you don't see anything like the same level of sheer idiocy.

I have arguments nearly daily with people much similar to the ones you're talking about, like many here on DU they have "picked a team" and supporting the team is what they do.

Look around right here on DU and you see long term posters arguing some seriously stupid stuff, a substantial fraction of what goes on in GD is mocking other posters for being divorced from reality.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024658422

[jmowreader]

39. That plant cost Volkswagen a billion dollars

I don't think VW will ever put another plant in the American South but there's no question they'll keep this one going, if only because VW didn't become the world's third-largest automaker by throwing billion-dollar investments away.

I would LOVE to see VW come out with a statement next time they decide to build a US factory, if such a day ever arrives: "The US is an attractive place to build a manufacturing facility, with ready access to a huge market and hardworking, skilled people. However, since many American politicians have shown they are opposed to some of our business practices, such as partnering with trade unions, we have decided to build our next US factory in the city of Detroit, historical center of the American auto industry."

[Lasher]

3. I smell astroturf.

[UncleYoder]

4. I see the Koch brothers'

fingerprints all over this one.

How dare a company even attempt to work with an union to improve their business.

[sgtbenobo]

6. Ding, Ding. Ding!

You win a cigar!

//Snip//

Mark Mix, President of the National Right To Work Committee and President of the National Right To Work Legal Defense Fund
Was a presenter at a Koch Conference in Aspen, Colorado, where he discussed coordinated electoral strategies. His organization, National Right to Work, receives free summer employees from the Koch summer fellows program.
Mix attended the 2010 Koch Conference in Aspen, Colorado.
Mix presented a session entitled “Mobilizing Citizens for November,” on the topic: “Is there a chance this fall to elect leaders who are strongly committed to liberty and prosperity?” alongside Sean Noble and Tim Phillips of the Koch Funded Americans for Prosperity.
Mix is a Speaker for the Leadership Institute, an organization that received over $100,000 from Koch-funded foundations.

//Snip//

http://www.pfaw.org/media-center/publications/anatomy-koch-thon-sham-budget-hearings-brought-you-koch-brothers

[eShirl]

15. damn

[ChisolmTrailDem]

19. Wasn't a good portion of MSNBC's staff in attendance at that conference? I'm almost positive that

Andrea Mitchell was there.

[Arkana]

5. Bull. Those workers were coerced and bullied into voting against unionizing.

And "represented" by the National Right to Work Foundation? Don't make me laugh.

[Lasher]

8. This is how far we have strayed.

Even when the employer actually wants union representation for their employees, the state government and its cronies illegally intimidate workers into voting against it.

[jamzrockz]

23. There are actually

situations where unions are not needed, where the employees feel safe and satisfied with treatment from their employers. In those rare cases, employee will resist unionization.

This is another example. People should know when they are not wanted.

[alp227]

33. that video "Forced to Unionize" is from the libertarian Reason Foundation.

I'd prefer not to give them any more traffic. what's the point of that video?

[jamzrockz]

50. Yes I know its from Reason aka Drew Carey's libertarian group

But the video tells the story of this one farm that actually seems to treat their employers well, pays them I think 80c above the average for farm workers in California. The story of the employees attempt to tell the Farmers Union that they did not need their representation.

Its a rare occurrence but when there is actually and employer who does a good job with their employees, I think its bad form for union leaders to try and unionize the workers.

[Scuba]

53. That's very naive. Unions pull all workers up with them.

Do you like weekends? Thank a union.

[ctsnowman]

7. Hmm

Frivolous lawsuits come to mind. GOP talking point that they only use when it supports their beliefs.

[Bandit]

9. Without Union representation those workers can be summarily fired without cause.

They can also have their pay lowered and forced to work longer hours.

[CreekDog]

10. so they want to act collectively to protect their rights?

well then they shouldn't have voted against doing that a couple of weeks ago.

[bkanderson76]

11. Absolutely Speechless....and if I could find the words, there isn't enough time in the day...

...except maybe a couple come to mind....or three....FRICKEN BACKWOOD IDIOTS...(mildly)

[geardaddy]

12. If they're dumb enough to believe some

Koch Bros-fronted PAC, then they don't deserve a union. VW needs to put that plant somewhere where the UAW will welcomed with open arms.

[Roy Rolling]

17. dumb is why they need a union

The Koch Bros astroturf PACs rely on the modern-day version of "keep 'em barefoot and pregnant". Workers don't want to be across the table against a company's army of lawyers, that is why they need union representation.

But the point is valid, move out of areas where right-wing politicians dictate labor policy to benefit their Koch Bros comrades and sell their constituents down the river.

[geardaddy]

18. Yeah, you're right. They do need the union

[mike_c]

13. this is bizarroland material....

The UAW and Volkswagon AGREE on organizing to improve working conditions for workers and these chuckleheads are suing to PREVENT it? Why not demand a mandatory daily poke in the eye while they're at it? And a pay cut? Sheesh.

[Fumesucker]

41. By the standards they are used to these workers have quite a good job

They are terrified of making any changes which might endanger that income and they have been fed a steady diet of propaganda since the cradle.

A relative of mine has a choice between working a high paid union job and being self employed for considerably less money. Most of the time he chooses self employment because he can't stand the union job pace at his age (12 hours x 7 days until job is done) and finds the politics involved with the union position distasteful.

[olegramps]

14. So the bought a couple of dumb patsies to file a suit.

I really have a hard time having any sympathy for many of today's workers. They seem ready to stab their fellow workers in the back to gain favor with their masters. They have bought the corporate propaganda that the unions are their enemy and the corporations are their protectors. Then they bemoan the fact that their jobs have been outsourced and their pensions and health have gone south.

With the assistance of the MSM, it appears that the Democrats will be fighting a growing conviction that the AFCA is the ruination of the union. Coupled with their unsupported attack on health care the Republican Party has launched an all out attack on the poor working class as lazy, good for nothing parasites. Their racist attack of the Blacks and Latinos has been totally ignored by the worthless MSM kiss-asses.

I really don't know what kind of a future young people can look forward to. I am one of the fortunate people who lived during the greatest era a Middle Class empowerment that has ever existed in our nation. Only a minority will have a pension in the future and after the Republicans destroy Social Security and Medicare they can look forward to their senior years dumpster diving for survival. I am glad that I won't be around to see it, but I sure as hell feel for my grandkids and all those who will suffer.

[bobthedrummer]

16. The National Right to Work Foundation is a well known front for RW slavers

Wrong for Everyone
http://www.wrongforeveryone.com/behind-right-to-wor
K&R
Death to tyrants.

[nykym]

21. VW should quietly

close the plant and when asked why, We find the quality of life and working conditions in the state of Tennessee to be an inhospitable work environment.
Then relocate in a state that supports unions.
And don't tell me about all those lost jobs - those workers chose to support anti-labor practices and Right to Work nut jobs.

[blackspade]

22. National Right to Work Foundation?

What a crock. probably underwritten by the Kochs.

[VanillaRhapsody]

26. there actually IS a big building in Virginia that headquarters it....I was shocked when I saw that.

[WhiteTara]

24. I wonder what they would do if VW just pulled

their company out of there? I mean, it is a right to work state and they can be fired for no reason.

[FiveGoodMen]

25. Those workers who support this action deserve whatever they get

I guess you can't fix stupid.

[VanillaRhapsody]

27. thats what I said and was admonished that they were just misinformed...

NOPE in the south they are virulently anti-union....they don't even know why. In fact I have argued that there is no Teachers Union in SC...they seemed to believe there was...and they wantted to blame the ills of their failing education system on the non-existent Union there. Because there is a teachers "association" they think that constitutes a Union. I even had State employees tell me they have never benefitted from Unions!! LMAO!!!

[d_r]

28. its a shame those workers

Don't have some way to stand up to their employer. If there was only some way they could get together and speak with a common voice.

[xynthee]

29. WTF is WRONG with these people?!

This boggles the mind!

[mac56]

30. National Right To Work For Less Foundation

National Right To Starve Foundation

[Historic NY]

31. They will work for zilch if VW moves.

[RoccoR5955]

32. How about some of those workers

Filing a lawsuit against collusion between the corporatists and the elected officials. I believe it's called bribery.

These astroturf ad-hoc groups have got to go. They have to be outed for the corporate thugs that they are!

[LittleGirl]

34. The Propoganda ! It Burns !

[jwirr]

35. This lawsuit is another way for them to keep the workers from having a fair vote.

[City Lights]

36. Something stinks. nt

[CANDO]

37. Look out wing nuts, irony is about to bite you in the ass!

For ever and a day conservatives have argued against unions because they say they are an "outside influence"....well then just what the hell would you call the "National Right To Work Foundation"? In the reality based world, this foundation would qualify as an outside influence.

[TeamPooka]

38. suckers being used

[One_Life_To_Give]

45. Did they vote to have NRTW represent them?

Don't see where NRTW can claim to represent more than "a" employee or "a certain group" of employees. Seems to me that NRTW is representing itself as the voice of the workers which is essentially their "union". And to do that there should be a vote deciding that the group representing the works shall be NRTW or UAW or another. Now if NRTW wants to be the union that never has contracts and cedes everything to the employer and that's who some vote to represent them. Well it's a free country. Otherwise they speak for themselves and not the "workers".

[Turbineguy]

46. Next:

LOWER THE MINUMUM WAGE!

[Omaha Steve]

49. WSJ: RTW states have lower incomes

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324296604578179603136860138

By Neil Shah and Ben Casselman
Dec. 14, 2012 6:51 p.m. ET

By adopting a "right-to-work" law this week, Michigan is joining a group of states where wages tend to be lower, but job growth stronger, than states that don't have the law.

But gauging how much of this divergence in paychecks and employment is a result of the laws is difficult to do.


Employees on the assembly line at Ford Motor Co.'s Dearborn Truck Plant in Dearborn, Mich. The state enacted a right-to-work law this past week. Bloomberg News

Right-to-work laws, which allow workers in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues, were first adopted in the South decades ago as part of a larger drive to lure factory jobs from the heavily unionized North. By that measure, those early laws—in conjunction with other business-friendly policies—were highly successful.

Now, the trend is spreading to the heart of the old Rust Belt itself, in the wake of Republican gains in the region in the 2010 elections. Earlier this year, Indiana passed such a law, and on Tuesday, the birthplace of the United Auto Workers union, Michigan, became the 24th state to adopt such a measure.

FULL story at link.

[Sanity Claws]

51. who is paying for the lawsuit?

Auto workers don't have the money to finance a case.
Also, what is their standing to bring suit?

[leftyohiolib]

52. Right-to-work laws, which allow workers in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying union dues.

here are the takers the republicans are always bemaoning