United Auto Workers-represented employees at Volkswagen AG's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, plan to vote on strike authorization next week following months of contract bargaining that's failed to yield an agreement, the union said.

The Detroit-based union won the right to represent more than 4,000 hourly workers at the plant in a historic election in April 2024. It was the first foreign-owned plant in the South to organize. But after more than 13 months of negotiations, a first labor pact still hasn't been finalized.

The UAW said Thursday it scheduled the strike authorization vote for next Tuesday and Wednesday as it aims to increase pressure on the automaker. If approved, it will allow the union to call a strike at the plant if it deems necessary. The factory makes the ID.4 electric vehicle and two versions of the Atlas SUV.

Last month, Volkswagen sent over what it called its "final offer" to the union, which included a 20% raise over four years, a first cost-of-living allowance, ratification bonus, and improved time-off provisions. The automaker urged the union to allow members to vote on it, and accused the union of not allowing workers to see all the details.

VW lead negotiator Christena Wilson recently sent a letter to employees along with the full contract proposal's text, stating that while several "clerical" fixes had been necessary, "this offer has been complete, approved by the Company, and ready to vote on for three weeks — even according to your bargaining committee co-chair's own statements. We will continue to urge the UAW to allow you to vote, so your voice can be heard."

But the UAW is pushing for more, as it seeks a VW contract that is similar to what Detroit Three workers received in their current agreements reached in 2023. Union officials said they want more job security provisions, more affordable health care and higher wages than the offer on the table, noting they sent a counterproposal addressing 14 items on Oct. 15.

The union also has recently accused the automaker of bad-faith negotiations and intimidation, and criticized the company for recent job cuts at the plant.

"If Volkswagen accepts the counteroffer, the union will recommend ratification," a union statement said. "If not, members will prepare for a strike authorization vote and further action as needed."

A Volkswagen spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about the strike authorization plan.

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