Volkswagen Chattanooga employees stand in this file photo.A German union is backing the United Auto Workers effort to represent the workers at Volkswagen's plant in Chattanooga.
"In Chattanooga, you need union representation" to negotiate working conditions, IG Metall President Berthold Huber said in a letter distributed to the plant's hourly employees, according to Reuters.
VW has said the automaker was in talks with the UAW about setting up a German-style labor board at the plant that produces the Passat sedan.
The company may release a plan for the works council labor board in May or June, and formal talks with a union could begin in the second half of the year if VW's managing board approves.