DETROIT — Republican governors of six states on Tuesday condemned the United Auto Workers' push to organize automotive factories in the South, warning the union's efforts could lead to layoffs and fewer future investments.

The joint statement — signed by governors in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas — comes a day before Volkswagen workers in Chattanooga, Tennessee, begin voting on whether to join the UAW.

The VW vote is part of an unprecedented labor organizing drive announced last year by UAW President Shawn Fain that targets 13 automakers operating in southern states and elsewhere. Last year the union negotiated record contracts with General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler parent Stellantis.

The elected state leaders, including Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, argue such contracts provide short-term assistance but have long-term negative implications on jobs and investments.

"We have worked tirelessly on behalf of our constituents to bring good-paying jobs to our states. These jobs have become part of the fabric of the automotive manufacturing industry. Unionization would certainly put our states' jobs in jeopardy — in fact, in this year already, all of the UAW automakers have announced layoffs," read the statement.