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 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members, and is being described as the strongest agreement for this workforce in more than two decades.
Negotiations began with non-economic proposals in early October and moved to economic issues in early November. According to Nachimson, both sides were able to engage in productive discussions quickly.
“We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said Nachimson.
Long-serving employees welcomed changes such as improvements to paid time off and the removal of an alternating lump-sum system for general pay increases. These changes address concerns that workers had been losing income under previous arrangements.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, praised the committee’s efforts: “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 recognized the achievement: “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 noted that three bargaining team members were first-time negotiators and thanked Derek Cearley (Southern Territory Special Representative), Taz Hurst (IAM Senior Research Economist), and Pamela Evans from IAM’s Winpisinger Center for their support.
“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 contract includes annual general wage increases over four years (4%, 3%, 2%, then another 2%), ends lump-sum wage years so raises are fully compounded, ensures all paid time off is compensated at full hourly rates instead of a percentage formula, adds two personal vacation days that can function as sick leave, allows employees to skip PTO during plant shutdowns without penalty, provides a $3,000 ratification bonus, boosts shift differentials as well as contributions to health savings accounts (HSA) and retirement plans (401(k)), raises safety shoe allowances, keeps insurance premiums flat throughout the contract term, adds Veterans Day as a paid holiday, improves work schedules and production incentives, introduces Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance options, and signals future investment at the Augusta facility.
The bargaining committee was chaired by Roseal Goss (Local 2789 President) with Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel serving alongside.
