IAM Local 2789 members working 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 about 300 workers, including 120 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and is considered the strongest agreement for this workforce in more than two decades.
Negotiations began with non-economic issues in early October and moved to economic topics in early November. Nachimson described the talks as productive, stating, “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve.”
Long-time employees welcomed changes such as improvements to paid time off and an end to alternating lump-sum payments for general pay increases, which had previously resulted in lost income over time.
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 team’s work: “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 members of the bargaining team were first-time negotiators and thanked Derek Cearley from IAM Southern Territory, Senior Research Economist Taz Hurst, and Pamela Evans from IAM’s Winpisinger Center for their support. He added: “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 agreement includes annual wage increases over four years—4%, 3%, 2%, then another 2%. Lump-sum wage years are eliminated so raises will now compound fully each year. All paid time off will be compensated at full hourly rates instead of using a percentage formula that reduced pay previously.
Other key provisions include two additional personal vacation days usable as sick leave; an option to skip paid time off during plant shutdowns without penalty; a $3,000 ratification bonus; higher shift differentials; increased contributions to health savings accounts (HSA) and 401(k) plans; greater safety shoe allowances; no insurance premium hikes during the contract term; Veterans Day as a paid holiday; improved work schedules and production incentives; access to Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance; plus signs that future investments may come to the facility.
The bargaining committee consisted of Roseal Goss (Chair/Local 2789 President), Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
