Caterpillar members at 7 UAW locals ratified a new contract covering 9,500 workers.

UAW members in IPS, ag imp and heavy truck sectors ratify contracts, pick up new work

Dana workers share in the success

Tom Daniels, a Time Study steward and UAW Local 644 member, says these days he feels more reassured.

The Pottstown, Pa., worker credits his union and the new three-year contract at Dana Holdings Corp. that he and other UAW members approved on March 22 for the boost of optimism.

Daniels is one of 2,500 workers at 13 Dana plants in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Texas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Tennessee and Wisconsin who in March ratified a new three-year contract.

“Considering the economic environment in the country right now,” said Daniels, “this was a very reassuring message in our industry.”

It is the first agreement between the UAW and Dana since the automotive parts supplier emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in January 2008.

“I am very pleased with the outcome of the negotiation for the Pottstown plant. We’ve picked up some gains that will positively impact the day-to-day lives of our members,” said Daniels.

“Gains include the reinstatement of vision care; the annual work boot allowance, that for the 15 years I have been with the company had always been biannual and a lower amount; bonuses for the Tier II employees on the same rate as Tier I employees, as well as three more years of job security,” he added.

It is also an agreement that allows UAW members to share in the success of the company they stood with while it reorganized through bankruptcy, said UAW Vice President Cindy Estrada, who directs the union’s Competitive Shop/Independents, Parts and Suppliers (IPS) Department.

“Our members now benefit from the first-ever Dana profit-sharing plan, a combination of general wage increases and lump sums, and despite tremendous increases in the cost of health care, UAW members maintained their current level of benefits while keeping premium share increases at a minimal level,” said Estrada.

“UAW members sacrificed and stood solid with the company as it reorganized. Now, it’s their turn to share in the success,” she added.

The national contract covers workers represented by 11 UAW locals: Local 9, Milwaukee; Local 644, Pottstown, Pa; Local 710, Columbia, Mo.; Local 771, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills and St. Clair, Mich.; Local 1765, Lima, Ohio.; Local 1948, Sterling, Ill.; and Local 3057, Longview, Texas. In Kentucky, it covers workers at Local 3058, Louisville; Local 3062, Danville and Local 3064, Dry Ridge, as well as Local 9025 in Paris, Tenn.

Caterpillar workers reach agreement in record time

UAW-represented employees at Caterpillar Inc., ratified a new six-year labor agreement on March 6, marking the first time such a contract had been achieved before its expiration and without a labor dispute.

“This ratification may have finally put the troublesome relationship between the UAW and Cat right where it belongs: behind us,” said UAW Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Williams, who also directs the union’s Agricultural Implement Department and led these negotiations.

UAW negotiators and Caterpillar bargainers “were professional, diligent and worked extremely hard to bring this agreement together on time,” said Williams.

The new agreement covers approximately 9,500 hourly production and maintenance workers represented by seven UAW locals: Local 974, East Peoria, Ill.; Local 751, Decatur, Ill.; Local 2096, Pontiac, Ill.; Local 145, Montgomery, Ill.; Local 786, York, Pa.; Local 1415, Denver, and Local 1989, Memphis, Tenn.

UAW members at Volvo maintain health care, win pension and wage increases

UAW Local 2069 members in Dublin, Va., also ratified a new contract. The nearly 1,300 UAW members approved a five-year agreement on March 27 that covers health care benefits for all active workers, provides a yearly lump sum for retirees, and includes wage and pension increases.

“The contract moves our members forward while protecting jobs and benefits in this competitive industry,” said UAW Vice President General Holiefield, who directs the union’s Heavy Truck Department.

The agreement also paved the way for the return of more than 600 UAW members who had been on layoff for about three years.

“There is no doubt that this contract made it possible for these brothers and sisters to be able to return to work,” said Holiefield. “It also created an opportunity for the company to add an additional shift at the plant.

“That’s the power of union solidarity and a strong labor agreement,” added Holiefield.

Sandra Davis