UAW Secures Union Recognition at GM-LG Battery Plant in Tennessee

The United Auto Workers announced that GM and LG Energy Solution's battery manufacturing joint venture agreed to recognize the union at their Tennessee facility. This development follows a similar move at an Ohio plant and aligns with the union's broader organizing efforts targeting major automakers.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) revealed on Wednesday that a joint venture between General Motors (GM) and LG Energy Solution has agreed to unionize its Tennessee battery manufacturing plant. This decision follows a significant vote at an Ohio Ultium Cells facility last year where workers opted to join the UAW.

With a workforce of 1,000, the Tennessee plant's agreement comes amid an intense nationwide organizing effort spearheaded by UAW President Shawn Fain. Last year, GM's stance on unionizing battery operations was a critical issue during UAW contract negotiations, leading to expansive strikes across 'Big Three' automaker facilities.

The automaker has now concurred to incorporate its Ultium battery operations under the union's master agreement, contingent on a majority vote from workers. This latest victory for the UAW is part of a broader $40 million campaign focusing on unionizing workers at leading automakers such as Toyota and Tesla.

(With inputs from agencies.)