By Nora Eckert

DETROIT (Reuters) -Workers at a Volkswagen plant in Tennessee voted to authorize a strike, the United Auto Workers union said Wednesday evening, paving the way for a potential walkout at the Chattanooga facility.

The UAW and automaker have been in contract negotiations for more than a year, after workers there voted 73% in favor of joining the union in April 2024.

The vote gives the union the right to strike, but doesn’t guarantee one will happen.

“A strike would be harmful to everyone at VW Chattanooga and our community. If a strike is called, we are committed to ensuring any employees who choose to do so can come to work safely and will continue to receive their full pay and benefits,” Volkswagen said in a statement.

The Chattanooga factory became the first auto plant

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