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 about 300 workers, including 120 IAM members, and is being described as the strongest in more than two decades for this workforce.
Negotiations started with non-economic proposals in early October and shifted to economic issues in early November. Nachimson stated, “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve.”
Long-term employees welcomed changes such as updates to paid time off and the removal of an alternating lump-sum system for general pay increases, which had previously resulted in lost income.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, commented on the outcome: “Local 2789 set a new standard for John Deere negotiations. 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 praised the efforts: “This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together. 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 bargaining team 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. He said, “Everyone stepped up. 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%, and 2%—and ends lump-sum wage years so raises are fully compounded. All paid time off will now be paid at full hourly rates instead of a percentage formula that reduced pay; two additional personal vacation days can function as sick leave; employees may opt out of PTO during plant shutdowns without penalty; there is a $3,000 ratification bonus; shift differential, HSA contributions, 401(k) match, and safety shoe allowance have increased; insurance premiums remain unchanged through the contract’s term; Veterans Day has been added as a paid holiday; work schedules and production incentives are improved; Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance has been added; and there are strong indications of future work and capital investment at the facility.
The bargaining committee was chaired by Roseal Goss (Local 2789 President) with Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel serving as members.
