The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has achieved a significant victory, securing recognition at a Tennessee plant operated by Ultium Cells, a joint venture between General Motors (GM) and South Korean battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution. This development marks a pivotal moment for the UAW, signaling its growing presence in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing industry.
A majority of workers at the plant signed cards to join the UAW, with the company respecting their decision. This represents a decisive step for the union, as it strengthens its foothold in the crucial sector of EV battery production. Ultium Cells currently operates two facilities in the United States – one in Spring Hill, Tennessee, and another in Lordstown, Ohio.
The UAW’s efforts to organize workers at Ultium Cells’ Lordstown plant in 2022 yielded a significant victory earlier this year. Workers secured a contract that will see their hourly wages rise to $35 by October 2027, more than double their previous earnings before joining the union. This successful negotiation has served as a powerful testament to the benefits of unionization, demonstrating the potential for improved wages, benefits, and workplace conditions.
Tradistine Chambers, a worker at the Ultium Cells plant in Spring Hill, expressed her enthusiasm about the union’s recognition: “Being unionized will help us reap the benefits as far as better healthcare, better pay, and overall, just having decency within the workplace— not just for us, but future generations.” Her words highlight the positive impact of unionization on both current and future generations of workers.
The strategic importance of Ultium Cells cannot be overstated. As a joint venture, it is tasked with the mass production of Ultium battery cells, a crucial component for GM’s burgeoning EV lineup. Notably, the Tennessee plant is strategically located near GM’s facility where it manufactures its Cadillac Lyriq SUVs, underscoring the close connection between battery production and vehicle assembly.
Earlier this year, the UAW demonstrated its unwavering commitment to organizing non-union automakers and battery workers in the U.S., directing $40 million towards this initiative. This bold move has yielded tangible results, as the union has targeted major manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz Group, Tesla Inc, and Toyota Motor Corp, among others.
The UAW’s successful campaign at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant in April marked a significant milestone. Workers there voted in favor of joining the UAW, making them the first Southern autoworkers outside of the Big Three to achieve this victory. These recent developments clearly indicate the UAW’s growing influence and its ability to secure gains for workers in the evolving automotive landscape.
The union’s success at the Ultium Cells plant in Tennessee marks a pivotal moment in its efforts to organize workers in the rapidly growing EV battery manufacturing sector. This achievement underscores the UAW’s commitment to representing workers across the automotive industry, as it seeks to ensure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions for all.
