UAW competitor at Volkswagen plant loses certification

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A group billing itself as a competitor to the United Auto Workers union at the Volkswagen plant in Tennessee has failed to meet minimum enrollment standards under the German automaker's internal labor policy.

Volkswagen announced to workers on Thursday morning that the UAW has once again been verified as representing at least 45 percent of workers at the plant, qualifying the union for the top tier of the policy, which enables the UAW to interact regularly with management and have a meeting space within the plant.

But Volkswagen has declined to engage in collective bargaining with the UAW over wages and working conditions. Meanwhile, the company says the rival American Council of Employees no longer meets its policy's bottom tier, which requires 15 percent representation.