IAM Local 2789 members at John Deere’s Augusta, Georgia facility have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement following two weeks of negotiations. The contract, which covers 300 workers including 120 IAM members, is described as the strongest in over two decades for this workforce.
Negotiations began with non-economic proposals in early October and moved to economic issues in November. Cal Nachimson, IAM District 243 Business Representative, led the talks. “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said Nachimson.
Long-time employees noted improvements to paid time off and the end of an alternating lump-sum pay system that had previously reduced earnings over time.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, commented on the outcome: “Local 2789 set a new standard for John Deere negotiations. Their solidarity and preparation delivered life-changing improvements for our members, and other negotiations with John Deere will follow their lead.”
IAM International President Brian Bryant also praised the effort: “This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together. Taking the time and effort to fix long-time issues with improvements like this is something to be very proud of. This contract reflects the true value of their labor.”
Nachimson acknowledged support from several individuals during bargaining: “Everyone stepped up. This contract puts money back in our members’ pockets and gives them the respect they deserve. The negotiation committee deserves all the praises.”
The agreement includes annual general wage increases over four years (4%, 3%, 2%, and 2%), eliminates lump-sum wage years so raises compound fully, ensures all paid time off is compensated at full hourly rates instead of a percentage formula, adds two personal vacation days usable as sick leave, allows employees to skip PTO during plant shutdowns without penalty, provides a $3,000 ratification bonus, increases shift differential pay as well as contributions to health savings accounts and retirement plans, keeps insurance premiums unchanged throughout the contract term, adds Veterans Day as a paid holiday, improves work schedules and production incentives, introduces Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance options, and signals future investment at the facility.
The bargaining committee included Roseal Goss (Chair and Local 2789 President), Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
