NLRB Grants Anti-Union Groups Status in VW Union Dispute

The National Labor Relations Board has recognized two groups of anti-union workers as lawful parties to an appeal by the United Auto Workers union of a vote that rejected UAW representation at Volkswagen AG's factory in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The UAW complains that the groups are "masquerading as legitimate worker representatives" but are actually backed by the anti-union Southern Momentum and National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation.

The UAW has petitioned the NLRB to hold a new election. The union argues that the vote in February was unfairly influenced by sharply negative comments and economic threats from state politicians and outside anti-union groups.

The union complains that the worker groups are "masquerading as legitimate worker representatives" but are actually backed by the anti-union National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation and Southern Momentum.

The union's petition is being handled by the NLRB's regional office in Atlanta. The UAW vows to appeal the decision to include the two worker groups.