A Reign of Terror Begins in Tennessee

Having lost a representation election bid at a Volkswagen plan in Tennessee, the UAW has begun a Reign of Terror at the Spring Hill plant in Right to Work Tennessee.  Already an employee has been harassed and threatened for standing up for his Right to Refrain.  Glenn  Taubman, attorney for the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, explains to Bill McMorris of the Free Beacon.

UAW Local 1853 published a “Scab Report,†listing the names and work stations of more than 40 workers at the Spring Hill General Motors plant. The list has found its way into the plant, according to a photo obtained by the Washington Free Beacon.

“The following individuals are NON-dues paying workers. They have chosen to STOP paying Union Dues and still reap the rewards of your negotiated benefits,†the sign says. “If you work near one of these people listed please explain the importance of Solidarity and the power of collective bargaining.â€

One employee who requested anonymity for fear of retribution from the union said that harassment began soon after the report was released. Three different people approached him last week, two of whom were hostile.

“They put our names out there so people will pressure us,†the worker said. “One guy called me a scab outright. I don’t appreciate that. I was disgusted by it.â€

Local union president Tim Stannard admitted to publishing the list. He denies that it was conceived to intimidate non-union members, saying that he was encouraging members to have candid talks with other workers about the benefits of the UAW.
Glenn Taubmann, an attorney at the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, echoed these sentiments. He said that the UAW’s history should serve as a warning sign for workers in right to work states.

“The UAW is forming so-called ‘voluntary’ locals, and says it has turned over a new leaf. But the fact that it publishes a ‘hit list’ against non-members in Spring Hill, Tenn., who won’t ‘volunteer’ for union membership shows its true colors: it is the same old Detroit-based UAW, rife with harassment and abuse for every independent-minded employee who disagrees with its dictates,†Taubmann said. “Independent-minded workers in Chattanooga should especially beware, as the UAW is attempting to climb into bed with Volkswagen and this same sort of harassment and abuse of nonmembers cannot be far behind.â€