Officials React To Volkswagen Vote

It was a big day yesterday as Volkswagen company officials announced a secret ballot. Workers will now get the chance to decide if they want union representation.Now, just one day after the announcement, officials and organizations are starting to pick sides.Former Hamilton County Mayor and Deputy to the Governor, Claude Ramsey, played a big role in recruiting VW to the area. He says they should continue their way of doing business- and that's without a union. They have good jobs, with good working conditions, good benefits, and good pay. Why would they choose to change? Why pay dues for something you already have? We touted the fact that we were non-union and that we were a right-to-work state.CLICK HERE to watch the entire Ramsey News ConferenceBut some community leaders say that would be a mistake. Perrin Lance is the Executive Director for Chattanooga Organized for Action. He says a union would be the best decision for the city. This allows for worker solidarity and worker representation to guarantee that these jobs not only that they have, but are going to pass on to their children are going to be living wage jobs.Ramsey believes the writing is on the wall. If I thought the UAW would be beneficial to this community and to the employees out there, I would say that. But their track record doesn't show that.The National Labor Relations Board will conduct the election from February 12th through the 14th. by Mikaya Thurmond