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 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and is described as the strongest agreement for this workforce in over two decades.
Negotiations began with non-economic proposals in early October and shifted to economic issues in early November. According to Nachimson, discussions were productive from the start. “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said Nachimson.
Long-time employees noted improvements such as changes to paid time off and the end of alternating lump-sum pay increases, which had previously reduced overall earnings.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, praised the outcome: “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 commended those involved. “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 emphasized teamwork during bargaining, noting that three committee members were first-time negotiators. He also thanked Derek Cearley, IAM Senior Research Economist Taz Hurst, 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 agreement includes annual general wage increases over four years (4%, 3%, 2%, and 2%), eliminates lump-sum wage years in favor of compounded raises, pays all paid time off at full hourly rates instead of a percentage formula, adds two personal vacation days that function as sick leave, allows employees to skip PTO during plant shutdowns without penalty, provides a $3,000 ratification bonus, boosts shift differentials and contributions to health savings accounts (HSA) and 401(k) plans, 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, and signals future investment at the Augusta facility.
The bargaining committee included Roseal Goss (Chair and Local 2789 President), Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
