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 after two weeks of negotiations led by IAM District 243 Business Representative Cal Nachimson. The contract covers about 300 workers, including 120 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members, and is described as the strongest agreement in over two decades for this workforce.
Negotiations began with non-economic issues in early October and shifted to economic topics in early November. Nachimson noted that both parties quickly engaged in productive discussions.
“We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said Nachimson.
Long-time employees welcomed changes such as improvements to paid time off and the end of an alternating lump-sum system for general pay increases, which had previously reduced income over time.
Craig Martin, IAM Southern Territory General Vice President, praised 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 commended the negotiating team: “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 the unity within the bargaining team, noting that three members were first-time negotiators. He also thanked Southern Territory Special Representative 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 contract includes annual wage increases of 4%, 3%, 2%, and 2% over its term; ends lump-sum wage years in favor of compounding raises; pays all paid time off at full hourly rates; adds two personal vacation days usable as sick leave; allows workers to skip PTO during plant shutdowns without penalty; provides a $3,000 ratification bonus; boosts shift differentials, HSA contributions, 401(k) match, and safety shoe allowances; keeps insurance premiums unchanged through the contract period; adds Veterans Day as a paid holiday; improves work schedules and production incentives; introduces Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance; and signals future work along with capital investment at the facility.
The bargaining committee included Roseal Goss (Chair and Local 2789 President), Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
