07.10.14

Miller: Creation of New Works Council in Chattanooga a Win for VW, Employees, and Supporters of Workers’ Rights

WASHINGTON—Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), senior Democrat on the House Education and the Workforce Committee, released the following statement today in response to the news that the United Auto Workers will create a works council to represent workers at a Volkswagen factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

"Volkswagen, the employees at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant, and supporters of workers' rights everywhere all have cause to celebrate. Today's announcement is particularly heartening for the factory workers in Chattanooga, given the months of unprecedented obstruction by outside third parties. Volkswagen has a long history of successfully working with these joint works councils that innovate, reduce costs, and work in the best interest of all company employees. Volkswagen workers overseas have long known the benefits of these works councils, and now, hardworking Americans can participate in these councils. When workers can freely exercise their fundamental right to organize, everybody wins."