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Governor Doesn't Echo Incentives Warning in VW Union Vote

He wants to see the United Auto Workers vote result before he thinks about the future.

Vw Tn

CHATTANOOGA, TENN. (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is not echoing warnings by fellow Republican officials that if a union vote passes at Volkswagen in Chattanooga, future talks about state incentives could become more difficult.

Lee told reporters on Wednesday that he wants to see the United Auto Workers vote result before he thinks about the future. He said if the vote passes, he will move forward and ensure that the workforce is developed to help Volkswagen keep expanding. 

The vote of 1,700 workers began Wednesday and concludes Friday. 

Lee opposes the plant's unionization, claiming it's more difficult to recruit companies into states with a high level of union activity. 

He stopped short of warnings GOP Sen. Bo Watson and Rep. Robin Smith made about future incentives to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

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