About Us

UAW Local 42 was built on perseverance, solidarity, and the belief that working people deserve a voice in their workplace.

The journey began in 2012 when Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga first started organizing. What followed was fourteen years of determination, setbacks, victories, and an unwavering commitment to one another. Through changing circumstances, multiple campaigns, and countless conversations among coworkers, the belief remained the same: when workers stand together, they can shape their own future.

In February 2026, that commitment resulted in the ratification of our first collective bargaining agreement, a historic milestone for Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga and a defining moment in the history of our local.

The story of Local 42 reflects the broader history of the American labor movement. From the workers who fought for the eight-hour day to the men and women who helped build the UAW during the industrial growth of the twentieth century, progress has always come from ordinary people standing together in pursuit of fairness, dignity, and respect. Those same principles continue to guide our union today.

UAW Local 42 is a democratic organization built by its members and for its members. We believe in solidarity, accountability, transparency, and active participation. Every member has a voice, and every member plays a role in shaping the future of our union.

Our history proves a simple truth: if you never give up, you never lose. Fourteen years after the first organizing efforts began, Volkswagen workers secured a contract and established a strong foundation for future generations. The work continues, but the lesson remains the same—persistence, unity, and collective action can accomplish extraordinary things.