IAM Local 2789 members at John Deere’s Augusta, Georgia facility have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The vote took place on November 12, following two weeks of negotiations led by IAM District 243 Business Representative Cal Nachimson. The contract covers 300 workers, including 120 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and is being described as the strongest agreement in over two decades for this workforce.
Negotiations began with non-economic proposals in early October, followed by economic discussions starting November 3. According to Nachimson, “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve.”
Long-time employees welcomed changes such as improvements to paid time off and the end of an alternating lump-sum system for general pay increases. These changes address previous concerns about lost income 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 agreement: “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 noted that three members of the bargaining team were first-time negotiators and expressed gratitude for support from Derek Cearley, 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.”
Key provisions in the new contract include annual general wage increases over four years (4%, 3%, 2%, and 2%), ending lump-sum wage years so raises are fully compounded, full hourly rate payment for all paid time off instead of a percentage formula, two new personal vacation days functioning as sick leave, an option to skip PTO during plant shutdowns without penalties, a $3,000 ratification bonus, increased shift differential and contributions to health savings accounts (HSA) and 401(k) plans, higher safety shoe allowance, no insurance premium increases throughout the contract period, Veterans Day added as a paid holiday, improved work schedules and production incentives, addition of Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance, and indications of future work and capital investment at the facility.
The bargaining committee included Roseal Goss (Chair and Local 2789 President), Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
