Republican governors from six states have issued a joint statement denouncing the efforts of the United Auto Workers (UAW) to organize automotive factories in the South, cautioning that such endeavors could result in layoffs and diminished future investments.
Signed by governors of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, the statement precedes the upcoming vote at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant on joining the UAW.
The UAW’s organizing drive, initiated by President Shawn Fain last year, targets 13 automakers across southern states and elsewhere.
While the union secured record contracts with major automakers like General Motors, Ford Motor, and Stellantis last year, the Republican governors argue that such agreements may offer short-term benefits but could have adverse long-term effects on jobs and investments.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and his counterparts assert that unionization could jeopardize jobs, citing recent announcements of layoffs by UAW-affiliated automakers this year.
The UAW is currently in the process of organizing a vote among Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama, but did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the governors’ statement.
Following the ratified UAW contracts with Detroit automakers, there have been buyout offers and layoffs of both salaried and hourly workers. Automakers are implementing cost-cutting measures to invest in electric vehicles and brace for economic uncertainties.
Stellantis, formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Groupe, has been particularly active in workforce reductions, mainly affecting supplemental workers who lack the same pay and benefits as permanent assembly plant employees.
Despite Ford offering voluntary buyouts and announcing layoffs, many displaced workers were relocated to other nearby facilities. GM has also offered buyouts, predominantly related to factory reconfigurations.
In addition to Governor Lee of Tennessee, the statement was endorsed by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
