Workers react after Hamilton Co. commissioner calls for UAW vote on VW's "final contract" offer

From Local 3 News: UPDATE: Some Volkswagen employees are speaking out on Wednesday, after a Hamilton County commissioner called on the UAW to vote on the automaker’s "final contract" offer.

Commissioner Jeff Eversole held a press conference outside of the automaker's plant, where he asked the UAW to hold a vote on VW’s final contract offer that was made in September.

Eversole says most of the plant’s employees support the offer.

"Volkswagen put forward a final union contract offer over a month ago that offers significant gains for Chattanooga workers, including a 20% wage increase, a cost-of-living allowance, a $4,000 ratification bonus, lower health care costs, and much more. Many employees have been reaching out to the UAW to vote, and the UAW has refused,” Eversole said in an announcement about the press conference.

During the press conference, dozens of members from both the UAW and the Chattanooga Area Central Labor Council, or CLC, began picketing outside of the VW plant.

The CLC put video on Facebook of the picket with a post that reads:

"UAW and CLC members on the line at today’s informational picket demanding VW return to the table to hammer out the final points of a fair contract! #jobsecurity #faircontract"
Some Volkswagen employees who spoke to Local 3, asked the union to go ahead and sign this final contract.

However, union members told Local 3, this contract is not what is best for everyone.
"Originally, it was going to be a 25% increase in wages. They didn't want to take that and now they dropped it down to 20%. I wanted to try and get my money now. Especially right before the holidays. It would be great to have an extra $5,500 sitting in my bank account,” said VW employee Dakotah Bailey.

"We understand that Volkswagen says this is our best and final offer; but based on negotiations, they cannot move away from the table. We are just asking Volkswagen to come back to the table and make things right for the employees and for the people who make their cars,” said union member Yolanda Peoples.

Both workers said they have been with the company for years and want their voices to be heard.

A Volkswagen spokesperson issued the following statement:

"We support our employees' right to have their voices heard on this important issue. We continue to urge the UAW to take our final offer to a vote for this very reason, so employees can decide for themselves. It is disappointing to hear that many employees do not feel represented by the union."