New York Times (09/06/13) Steven Greenhouse

Volkswagen and the United Automobile Workers are collaborating on how to unionize VW’s Chattanooga, TN, plant and launch a German-style works council there. A works council comprises a group of both white- and blue-collar employees that meets with management on matters such as working conditions and productivity. However, to avoid running afoul of U.S. labor laws, the plant must first be formally unionized. If the plant establishes a works council, other auto manufacturers—such as the BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC—might feel pressure to do the same, according to some labor and auto experts.