The US South has historically influenced US politics and labor movements. Recent developments indicate a resurgence in labor organization. In 2024, workers at the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga voted to unionize with the UAW, marking a significant milestone. Additionally, workers at Blue Bird in Fort Valley secured their first contract, and organizing efforts helped Waffle House staff achieve pay raises. Alabama workers at New Flyer also successfully joined the IUE-CWA and won a contract. However, challenges remain, including resistance to labor organizing in the current political climate.
The US South has long played an outsized role in US politics-and in the labor movement as well. The failure of Operation Dixie to unionize the South set the stage for economic inequality.
Labor may be making a comeback in the South. Recent victories include workers at Volkswagen plant voting to join the United Auto Workers, and 1,500 workers at Blue Bird winning their first contract.
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