IAM Local 2789 members working at John Deere’s Augusta, Georgia facility have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract, approved on November 12 after two weeks of negotiations led by IAM District 243 Business Representative Cal Nachimson, covers about 300 workers, including 120 IAM members. It is described as the strongest agreement the workforce has seen in more than two decades.
Negotiations began with non-economic proposals in early October and moved to economic topics in November. According to Nachimson, both sides engaged in productive discussions. “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said Nachimson.
Long-time employees welcomed changes such as improvements to paid time off and an end to alternating lump-sum pay increases that had previously resulted in lost income for workers.
Craig Martin, General Vice President of IAM Southern Territory, recognized the efforts of those involved: “Local 2789 set a new standard for John Deere negotiations,” said Martin. “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 outcome. “This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together,” said Bryant. “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 highlighted teamwork during bargaining—three committee members were first-time negotiators—and thanked several individuals for their support during talks: Southern Territory Special Representative Derek Cearley, IAM Senior Research Economist Taz Hurst, and Pamela Evans from IAM’s Winpisinger Center. “Everyone stepped up,” said Nachimson. “This contract puts money back in our members’ pockets and gives them the respect they deserve. The negotiation committee deserves all the praises.”
The new agreement includes annual general wage increases over four years (4%, 3%, 2%, and 2%), ends lump-sum wage years so raises are fully compounded, pays all paid time off at full hourly rates instead of using a percentage formula, adds two personal vacation days usable as sick leave, allows skipping PTO during plant shutdowns without penalty, provides a $3,000 ratification bonus, increases shift differentials and employer contributions to HSA and 401(k), raises safety shoe allowances, maintains insurance premiums at current levels throughout the contract term, adds Veterans Day as a paid holiday, improves work schedules and production incentives, introduces Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance options for employees, and signals potential future work along with capital investment at the facility.
The bargaining committee included Roseal Goss (Chair/Local 2789 President), Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
