Workers at Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant began strike training meetings this week, even as the automaker insists its latest offer to the United Auto Workers (UAW) is its “best and final.”

The proposal, made two weeks ago after more than a year of negotiations, includes a 20% wage increase over four years, a $4,000 ratification bonus, and the company’s first-ever cost-of-living allowance.

But while the UAW says bargaining is not over, some longtime employees are worried about what a strike could mean for both workers and the company.

“They handed cards out for a strike vote,” said Angelo Robinson, who has worked at Volkswagen for 15 years. “A guy approached me and said, ‘Would you like to sign one?’ I said, ‘Is there a no on there?’ And he said no. Well, I don’t want to sign one.”

Robi

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