VW Chattanooga firefighters vote to unionize

Firefighters at Chattanooga’s Volkswagen plant this week voted to align with the International Association of Firefighters.

The 20 industrial firefighters, including lieutenants and captains, who protect the plant voted unanimously, according to a news release.

Once results are certified by the National Labor Relations Board, contract negotiations are to start with Rural Metro, VW’s fire department contractor, over issues such as safety and pay, the release said.

“We sent a unified message to the company that firefighters are prepared to negotiate a strong union contract that properly addresses our issues,” VW firefighter Brandon Fritts said in a statement.

In April, the plant’s production workers voted 2,628 to 985 for United Auto Workers representation.