German auto union chief: VW shouldn't put anti-union group on par with UAW at Tennessee plant

The head of the German union representing automotive workers is speaking out against Volkswagen working with anti-labor groups at its plant in Tennessee.

IG Metall President Detlef Wetzel said in a statement Friday from Frankfurt, Germany, that it can't accept "cooperation between Volkswagen and anti-union groups or yellow unions."

Volkswagen this week established guidelines for giving labor groups that sign up at least 15 percent of workers access to plant facilities and to regular meetings with management.

While the policy would apply to the United Auto Workers, which has worked for years to organize its first foreign automaker in the South, it could also benefit the American Council of Employees, an organization led by workers who spearheaded efforts to defeat the UAW in a union vote in February.