UAW Gains Recognition at Tennessee GM-LG Battery Plant

The United Auto Workers (UAW) secured recognition at a Tennessee plant owned by a General Motors and LG Energy Solution joint venture. This development follows significant union organizing efforts, including a recent vote at an Ohio plant. The UAW continues to target large automakers like Toyota and Tesla.

The United Auto Workers (UAW) announced on Wednesday that a battery manufacturing joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution has agreed to recognize the union at a Tennessee plant. The UAW said that a majority of employees at the Ultium Cells facility signed cards to join the union. This agreement follows the successful unionization at an Ohio Ultium plant, where workers recently secured significant wage hikes.

The Tennessee factory, which employs 1,000 workers, produces batteries for GM's electric vehicles, such as the Cadillac Lyriq. A spokesperson for Ultium Cells confirmed the recognition, while GM representatives noted that local bargaining will commence soon. This marks the latest point of progress in UAW's nationwide organizing efforts under President Shawn Fain.

The UAW scored a recent victory at a Volkswagen plant in Tennessee, and continues to target major automakers like Toyota and Tesla. Labor professors note that while political endorsements, such as the recent support from Vice President Kamala Harris, can aid organizing efforts, they are unlikely to be the deciding factor in these campaigns.

(With inputs from agencies.)