UAW Says Its Talking With VW About Tennessee Plant

DETROIT (AP) — The United Auto Workers union confirms that it's in talks with Volkswagen about representing workers a factory in Chattanooga, Tenn.

The union says in a statement Friday that its representatives met with VW officials last week in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Currently no U.S. plants owned by foreign automakers have UAW representation. But the union has been trying for years to organize the plants, which mainly are in southern states.

The UAW says it talked to VW about a German-style "works council" in Chattanooga, as well as the UAW representation. A works council would give workers a say in plant operations.

The prospect of UAW representation in Chattanooga concerns Southern Republicans, who fear a UAW foothold in the region will allow it to recruit workers at other auto plants.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.