For Release: Tuesday, March 18, 2008

UAW members overwhelmingly ratify new contract at Volvo Trucks North America

UAW workers at Volvo Trucks North America overwhelmingly approved a new contract for hourly and salaried workers at the New River Valley, Va., plant, with 93 percent in favor of ratification.

The vote on the new three-year contract took place on March 15, and covers 2,600 members of UAW Local 2069.

"UAW Local 2069 members can be proud of a winning a solid economic package, improving job security and maintaining good health care benefits for active workers and retirees," UAW President Ron Gettelfinger said.

"These are hard-working people who were forced out on strike on Feb. 1, even though they wanted nothing more than a contract that would help them feed their families and return home safely to them every night," said UAW Vice President General Holiefield, who directs the union's Heavy Trucks Department. "They are an amazing example of solidarity."

The contract also includes a $2,000 lump-sum payout now and 2 percent wage increases in the second and third years of the agreement. In addition, workers won increased vision and hearing benefits and protected recall rights for UAW members for the life of the agreement.

Members of UAW Local 2069, on strike since Feb. 1, will return to work on March 24.

The new contract expires at midnight, March 16, 2011.