For Release: Friday, May 11, 2007

Members of UAW Local 3520 ratify new three-year contract at two Freightliner L.L.C. facilities

CLEVELAND, N.C. — Members of UAW Local 3520 on May 4 overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract at two Freightliner L.L.C. facilities.

Members voted 89 percent vote in favor of a contract that delivers a 3 percent top-rate wage increase for each year of the agreement, provides a $1,500 ratification bonus and improves disability insurance for 2,819 UAW members.

The contract also maintains health care and dental benefits and gives workers on second and third shifts 10 cents more an hour. Also, new language on short-term and long-term disability gives workers more job security protection.

It is the second contract for UAW members who work at Cleveland’s Freightliner Truck Manufacturing Plant and the Freightliner Pre-Delivery Inspection facility.

“The 89 percent ratification speaks to how the membership feels about the strength of the negotiated agreement,” said UAW Vice President General Holiefield, director of the union’s Heavy Trucks Department.

“Our members are especially proud that they were able to maintain health care benefits and that they fought for and won significantly disability benefits,” said UAW Region 8 Director Gary Casteel, whose region includes North Carolina.

“This shows what can happen when workers come together to achieve a good contact,” said UAW Local 3250 President George Drexel.