The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 1296 in Clarksville, Tennessee, has ratified a four-year collective bargaining agreement with Trane Technologies. The new contract includes significant wage increases, improved benefits, and enhanced workplace protections for nearly 1,700 employees in the region.
Trane Technologies is one of the largest employers in Clarksville, a city that has evolved from its origins as a tobacco farming community to become Tennessee’s fifth largest metropolitan area. The company itself was founded in Wisconsin in 1885 as a plumbing business and later became known for its heating and air conditioning products.
“There is a lot of working-class history in the city of Clarksville and a strong union tradition at Trane Technologies,” said IAM Union Local 1296 President Brandie Givens. “The IAM Union is proud to be part of that history. Our members there have been the centerpiece of innovation, and they play a role in sustaining our local community and economy.”
For the first time, women hold top leadership positions within Local 1296. The negotiating committee received support from District 1888 and training at the William W. Winpisinger Center Education and Training Center in Maryland. They also participated in programs such as Leadership Excellence Assembly of Dedicated Sisters (LEADS), which prepares women for union leadership roles.
“We didn’t know what to expect when we started preparing, but we were very excited and pleased when the membership ratified the new contract,” said Givens. “The negotiating committee attended the Negotiation Prep Program at the William W. Winpisinger Center.”
Ashley Carpenter, Recording Secretary and Grievance Committee Member for Local 1296, described her experience: “I was honored to be able to participate in the first cohort of the LEADS program and was also a member of the Committee on the Future. The LEADS Program showed me that women are not alone in the fight against management and we have allies throughout the IAM,” she said. “I was able to learn so much about our union that I didn’t know prior. My self-confidence grew as a result.”
Carpenter noted that many workers at Trane are second- or third-generation IAM members: “Trane has been open for decades and has contributed to the local economy by negotiating contracts that allow our members to be able to take care of their families,” she said.
According to data from sources like the National Women’s Law Center, while overall union membership has declined over recent decades, women’s representation within unions has increased—a trend reflected at IAM Union Local 1296.
The new agreement provides an immediate 9.3% wage increase—amounting to $2 per hour—for all covered employees during its first year, with maintenance workers receiving an additional $2 skill adjustment. Over four years, further wage increases are scheduled.
“I’m so proud of our members and their negotiating team. Once again, the IAM Union leads the way in the South when it comes to fighting for the working class and winning,” said IAM Union Southern Territory General Vice President Craig Martin. “Our bargaining team worked hard, didn’t budge, and ultimately delivered a contract that lifts the quality of life for working families in northern Tennessee.”
Reggie Dixon, Chief of Staff for IAM Union Southern Territory added: “Our union takes pride in bargaining industry-leading contracts. We set the bar high,” he said.
Additional provisions include improved bereavement leave policies, more paid time off, better insurance benefits, and less restrictive rules governing shop stewards’ activities.
“This contract is about more than just numbers; it’s about dignity on the job,” said Bill Benson from District 1888 who led negotiations beginning December 2024 through mid-February 2025 based on survey feedback collected earlier that year.
Montgomery County’s unemployment rate recently rose from three percent last April to nearly three-and-a-half percent currently—an increase highlighting what many see as timely gains secured by this labor agreement (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
“It can be tough in Tennessee as many politicians and business interests here work very hard to frustrate unions,” noted Billy Givens from District 1888.”But this contract shows them that we will persevere.”
IAM District 1888 represents workers across multiple sectors—including military installations—in Tennessee as well as Kentucky, Alabama,and Georgia.“We have a long track record offightingforour dedicated,talentedworkersandthemiddle-classfamiliesinthatregionofthesouth,”saidMartin.”We will use our historyofsuccessinthesouthandtherecentcontractvictoryatTraneTechnologiesasmomentuminfuturecollectivebargainingnegotiationsandorganizingdrives.Thebestisyettocome,andmembersatIAMUnionDistrict1888andLocal1296willbepartofit.”
