Volkswagen verifies UAW has signed up at least 45 percent of workers at Tennessee plant

Volkswagen has certified that the United Auto Workers union has qualified for the top tier of the German automaker's labor policy at its plant in Tennessee.

The company confirmed to The Associated Press Monday afternoon that that the UAW had signed up at least 45 percent of workers at the Chattanooga plant.

A policy unveiled last month stops short of recognizing a union for collective bargaining purposes. But for the first time, it guarantees regular access to plant meeting space and regular meetings with management.

The UAW lost a contentious union vote at the plant in February.