IAM Local 2789 members at John Deere’s Augusta, Georgia facility have ratified a new four-year collective bargaining agreement. The vote, held on November 12, concluded 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 considered the strongest in more than two decades for this workforce.
Negotiations started with non-economic proposals during the week of October 6, followed by economic discussions beginning November 3. According to Nachimson, both parties engaged in productive talks from the outset. “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said Nachimson.
Long-term employees noted significant improvements, particularly changes to paid time off and an end to the alternating lump-sum system for general pay increases. These changes address issues that had previously resulted in lost income over time.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, praised the efforts of those involved in bargaining. “Local 2789 set a new standard for John Deere negotiations,” Martin stated. “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 commended the negotiation team. “This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together,” Bryant said. “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 highlighted that three committee members were first-time negotiators and thanked Derek Cearley (Southern Territory Special Representative), Taz Hurst (IAM Senior Research Economist), and Pamela Evans (Winpisinger Center) for their support. “Everyone stepped up,” Nachimson added. “This contract puts money back in our members’ pockets and gives them the respect they deserve. The negotiation committee deserves all the praises.”
Key features of the new contract include annual general wage increases over four years—4%, then 3%, then two consecutive years at 2%. The agreement ends lump-sum wage years in favor of full compounding raises, ensures all paid time off is compensated at full hourly rates rather than a percentage formula, adds two personal vacation days usable as sick leave, allows workers to skip paid time off during plant shutdowns without penalty, provides a $3,000 ratification bonus, boosts shift differential pay as well as employer contributions to health savings accounts (HSAs) and 401(k) plans, increases safety shoe allowances, maintains insurance premiums at current levels throughout the contract term, adds Veterans Day as a paid holiday, improves work schedules and production incentives, introduces Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance options for employees, and signals possible future work or capital investment at the facility.
The bargaining committee consisted of Roseal Goss (Chair and Local 2789 President), Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
