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 300 workers, including 120 International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) members, and is described as the strongest agreement for this workforce in more than two decades.
Negotiations began with non-economic proposals in early October, followed by economic discussions starting November 3. According to Nachimson, both sides quickly engaged in productive talks. “We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said Nachimson.
Long-term 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,” 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 highlighted the unity within the bargaining team—including three first-time negotiators—and acknowledged support from Southern Territory Special Representative Derek Cearley, IAM Senior Research Economist Taz Hurst, and Pamela Evans from IAM’s Winpisinger Center. “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 general wage increases over four years (4%, 3%, 2%, and 2%), ends lump-sum wage years so raises are fully compounded, 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 skipping PTO during plant shutdowns without penalties, provides a $3,000 ratification bonus, increases shift differential pay as well as contributions to health savings accounts (HSA), boosts employer matching on retirement plans (401(k)), raises safety shoe allowances, maintains current insurance premiums throughout the contract period without increases, adds Veterans Day as a paid holiday, improves work schedules and production incentives, introduces Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance options for workers, and signals future work along with capital investment at the Augusta facility.
The bargaining committee consisted of Roseal Goss (Chair and Local 2789 President), Frederica Haynes, Stevie Crocker, and Billy Dingel.
