In a massive rebuke of the German auto giant, the National Labor Relations Board has found Volkswagen to have egregiously violated the law in intimidating, disciplining, and threatening workers at its Parts Distribution Center in Cranbury, New Jersey earlier this year.
After workers organized to join the UAW, the company illegally threatened and coerced workers for exercising their federally-protected right to organize a union.
The automaker, which prides itself on its “social charter” that supposedly enshrines workers’ rights in its corporate governance, is ordered to recognize the UAW as the union of the over 150 workers involved. In addition, the Board will seek a 10(j) injunction to bring the company to the bargaining table.
“These workers did exactly what you’re supposed to do if you want a better life on the job, and Volkswagen treated them like dirt,” says UAW President Shawn Fain. “Because these badass workers refused to give up, they were able to overcome the company’s harassment, intimidation, and illegal conduct, and will now have a seat at the table. Welcome to the UAW. And Volkswagen, we’ll see you at the bargaining table.”
“We stood up because we know we deserve better from this multibillion-dollar company,” said Sergio Sumano, Jr., a warehouse worker with 7 years at the facility. “We stuck it out because we knew our cause was right. This is about a better life for me and my family, and for all of us here who make Volkswagen run. We are the UAW.”
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