In a joint statement released on Tuesday, Republican governors from six states - Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas - have expressed their disapproval of the United Auto Workers' (UAW) push to organize automotive factories in the South. The governors warned that the union's efforts could potentially lead to job layoffs and hinder future investments in the region.

The statement comes just a day before over 4,000 Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are set to vote on whether to join the UAW. This vote is part of an unprecedented labor organizing drive announced last year by UAW President Shawn Fain, which aims to unionize 13 automakers operating in southern states and beyond.

The Republican governors argue that although the UAW negotiated record contracts with General Motors, Ford Motor, and Chrysler parent Stellantis last year, these contracts, which provide short-term assistance, may have long-term negative implications on jobs and investments. They emphasize that their respective states have worked tirelessly to attract good-paying jobs to the automotive manufacturing industry, and unionization could jeopardize these jobs. The statement points out that all UAW automakers have already announced layoffs this year.

The UAW has not yet responded to the joint statement. The union is also in the process of organizing a vote among Mercedes-Benz workers in Alabama.

Since the ratification of UAW contracts with Detroit automakers, cost-cutting measures have been implemented, resulting in buyout offers and layoffs of both salaried and hourly workers. Automakers are adjusting their operations to invest billions in all-electric vehicles and prepare for potential market slowdowns and economic downturns.

Stellantis, the product of a merger between Fiat Chrysler and PSA Groupe earlier this year, has led the way in implementing cuts. Many of these cuts have affected temporary workers who do not receive the same pay or benefits as permanent assembly plant workers. Over 1,000 supplemental workers have been laid off this year, with Stellantis citing the need to ensure efficient operations amidst challenging market conditions.

Ford and GM, too, have offered voluntary buyouts to their employees and announced layoffs, although many affected workers have been transferred to nearby facilities. GM's layoffs have primarily been related to factory changes, such as the end of vehicle production at two plants, resulting in 1,300 job losses in Michigan.

The Republican governors' statement highlights the concerns regarding the potential negative consequences of UAW's organizing efforts in Southern automotive factories. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and other Republican governors have signed the statement, stressing the importance of safeguarding jobs and future investments in their respective states.

It remains to be seen how the Volkswagen workers' vote in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will unfold, as they weigh the decision of joining the UAW.