Volkswagen Workers in Tennessee Vote to Join UAW in Major Win for Union

About 73 percent of Volkswagen workers voted in favor of union representation, while 27 percent voted against it.

Workers produce vehicles at Volkswagen's U.S. plant in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Aug. 31, 2017. Erik Schelzig/AP Photo

Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, voted overwhelmingly on Friday to join the United Auto Workers (UAW), becoming the first Southern autoworkers outside of the Big Three to win their union.

According to the final vote tally released by the union, about 73 percent (2,628) of Volkswagen workers voted in favor of union representation, while 27 percent (985) voted against it.